The baby boomers generation is starting to face the challenges that come with aging. Healthy living is important for all ages, but it is crucial as you continue to age. Along with age comes a higher risk for conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and eye problems.
Baby boomers
Baby boomers are those born between 1946 to 1964. There are over 76 million baby boomers and their ages range from 50s to 70s now. This age not only brings new health risks, but retirement and Medicare as well.
The following are five of the biggest health concerns that the baby boomer generation is now facing.
Type 2 diabetes
Both the number of adults with diabetes and the obesity rates have more than tripled over the past 20 years. These rates coincide because obesity is one of the leading factors for adults developing diabetes.
People with diabetes are at a higher risk for other serious health issues, such as high blood pressure, nerve damage, vision loss, kidney disease, heart disease, and more. While diabetes and the other health issues that generally accompany it are serious, they are manageable and even preventable with proper lifestyle changes and medical care.
Heart disease
The risk for heart disease is significantly higher after the age of 45, and it is the leading cause of death for both men and women over the age of 60. While some of the risk factors for heart disease can be helped, some cannot be controlled.
Some of the steps that you can take to avoid heart disease are avoiding tobacco use, monitoring cholesterol, and controlling blood pressure. Exercise and a healthy diet contribute greatly to each of the factors.
It is common to experience vision problems as you age, but there are over 20 millions Americans that are affected by diabetes-related cataracts. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of people affected is expected to increase to over 30 million by 2020.
There have been advancements recently in cataract surgery in the precision and safety of the procedure. These advancements have allowed for a faster surgery time with a shorter recovery time.
Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. The best-known risk factor is age, and signs can first start appearing after the age of 60. The CDC says that the number of people living with Alzheimer’s is projected to be 14 million by 2050. No one knows what causes Alzheimer’s.
Flu and pneumonia
People who are at least 65 years old are at a significantly greater risk when it comes to influenza and pneumonia. Influenza and pneumonia are two of the largest causes of death for older adults due to there being a greater risk for complications. Medicare helps cover the costs of vaccinations for both.
Make regular visits with your doctor to stay on top of your health, and get screened for these major health concerns before they become a problem.
