The findings from the present study documenting poorer health status and increased rates of obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia support an increased likelihood for continued rising healthcare costs and a need for increased numbers of health professionals as baby boomers age.” – JAMA Study
Baby boomers are on average, fatter, sicker and in poorer health than their predecessors. According to a study done in 2013 by JAMA Internal Medicine, baby boomers were far less likely to report excellent health. Far higher rates of obesity, diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia were found in the baby boomer population.
Worrying statistics as baby boomers age, shattering the myth that baby boomers are among the healthiest generation.
A Few Statistics From The Baby Boomer Study
- Only 13% of baby boomers reported they were in excellent health.
32% of pre-boomers reported they were in excellent health.
- 39% of baby boomers reported they were obese.
29% of pre-boomers reported they were obese.
- 67% of baby boomers reported moderate drinking habits.
37% of pre-boomers reported moderate drinking habits.
- 43% of baby boomers reported to have hypertension.
36% of pre-boomers reported to have hypertension.
- 74% of baby boomers reported to have hypercholesterolemia.
34% of pre-boomers reported to have hypercholesterolemia.
These findings were based on an average age of 54. Pre-boomers were surveyed between 1988-1994 and baby boomers were surveyed between 2007-2010.
The study was conducted by five researchers from West Virginia University School of Medicine and the Medical University of South Carolina. Led by Dr. King of the Department of Family Medicine, West Virginia University School of Medicine, the study drew data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
The present study demonstrates a clear need for policies that expand efforts at prevention and healthy lifestyle promotion in the baby boomer generation.” – JAMA Study
What A Preventative Approach Looks Like
Preventative medicine is becoming more and more popular, and for good reason. Instead of waiting to get sick, why wouldn’t you want to avoid getting sick altogether? Well, it may be impossible to avoid falling ill altogether, but you can significantly improve your well-being and quality of life with a preventative approach to your health.
Supporting your immune system is among the most important things you can do to improve your health and retain vigor late in life. Increasing antioxidant activity is a great way to support immunity, there are many antioxidants proven to fortify immune function, reduce inflammation and increase energy levels.
Approaching health on a cellular level, treating the causes as oppose to the symptoms of disease is more attainable than ever.
The Ultimate Preventative Supplement: L-Glutathione
Glutathione levels are paramount to our immune function, ability to detoxify, fight inflammation and chelate heavy metals.
As we age, our Glutathione levels naturally deplete. This leaves the body increasingly vulnerable to toxic overload and infection. By age 50, GSH levels are between 30-45% lower than at age 20, under ideal conditions. Environmental factors, medications, lifestyle habits and dietary choices all further deplete GSH levels.
L-Glutathione is one of the most important supplements for baby boomers to help combat the many health problems they are facing. N Acetyl-L-Cysteine is another extremely important supplement, partially due to the fact that it enhances GSH production.
Supporting key antioxidants that operate throughout the entire body are essential to optimize health, and just as importantly, well-being / quality of life.