As baby boomers in England, the US, and Europe age, many face multiple chronic health problems that earlier generations experienced less frequently. A recent study highlights that baby boomers (born between 1946-1959) are more likely to suffer from diseases like cancer, heart problems, diabetes, and lung conditions than those born before them. They are also facing higher rates of obesity and mobility issues, which could lead to disability in their later years.
While this paints a grim picture, it doesn’t have to be this way.
The study shows a “generational health drift,” meaning that younger generations are becoming less healthy at the same age compared to previous ones. This may be due to changes in diet, lifestyle, and environmental factors. But this trend can be reversed, and the key lies in addressing the root causes of these conditions.
The Power of Diet and Lifestyle Even though more people are being diagnosed with chronic diseases, the good news is that many of these health problems can be prevented or managed through diet and lifestyle changes. For example:
- Heart disease can be mitigated by adopting a whole-food, plant-rich diet, rich in fibre and healthy fats.
- Diabetes can often be supported through careful dietary choices that stabilise blood sugar.
- Chronic inflammation present in digestive conditions or arthritis can be reduced with anti-inflammatory foods such as leafy greens, nuts, and omega-3-rich fish.
- Regular physical activity, such as walking or strength training, can improve mobility and muscle strength, even in older adults.
Prevention Over Treatment It’s vital to emphasise that we don’t have to wait until these conditions arise to address them. By making informed decisions about what we eat, how we move, toxins we are exposed to and how we manage stress, we can reduce our risk of these chronic illnesses.
This research is a wake-up call, but it’s also an opportunity. Baby boomers—and all of us—can prevent or manage ill health by focusing on what we can control: our diet, our movement, and our lifestyle choices.
If you’re ready to take back control of your health and make meaningful changes to your diet and lifestyle, I’m here to support you. Don’t hesitate to contact me for guidance and a personalised plan to help you build a healthier, more energised future.
Cohort Differences in Physical Health and Disability in the United States and Europe
Laura Gimeno, MPhil, Alice Goisis, PhD, Jennifer B Dowd, PhD, George B Ploubidis, PhD
The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, Volume 79, Issue 8, August 2024