Study: We’re living longer, but not healthier. Here’s why – and what you can do about it
The good news is that in many countries, life expectancy is continuing to rise. The not-so-good part? Even as Baby Boomers are living longer, their overall health may be worse than previous generations, particularly when it comes to specific conditions such as Type-2 Diabetes and heart disease. This finding comes from a recent study by researchers from the University of Oxford and University College London (UCL).
“We found that Baby Boomers are more likely to have doctor-diagnosed diabetes, high cholesterol, heart problems, and a variety of other chronic health conditions compared to previous generations at the same age,” lead author Laura Gimeno, a doctoral candidate at UCL, told CNN.
What’s more, the study found little evidence of improvement in disability rates, indicating that these chronic conditions may significantly impact Baby Boomers’ ability to maintain an active and independent Lifestyle.
The phenomenon, often referred to as “generational health drift,” suggests that while life spans are increasing through advances in medicine, quality of life may not be following the same trajectory.
For the study, researchers examined health data from over 100,000 people between 2004 and 2018, covering adults aged 51 or older in the U.S., England, and continental Europe. The study compared health outcomes among various generations, including the Greatest Generation (born before 1925) and Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964).
According to the researchers, studies on older adults suggest an increased prevalence not only for diabetes and heart disease, but also for Cancer, lung disease, hypertension and high cholesterol. More recent generations were also more likely to be obese than their predecessors, the study said.
Ways to boost healthy aging
While these findings are certainly concerning, research has also shown that many of the health issues highlighted in the study can be managed or even prevented by adopting healthier lifestyle habits. At SuperAging News, we write about this a lot. While new scientific breakthroughs, cures and treatment options for age-related health problems are constantly on our radar, there’s much we can do ourselves, right now—mainly when it comes to Diet, Exercise and other lifestyle choices.
Here, we roundup some key tips for not just a longer life, but also a healthier one.
Diabetes: When it comes to diet, focus on whole foods, including vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and healthy fats like olive oil and avocados. Research suggests that coffee may also have a rightful place on this list. A 2019 study found that enjoying your daily brew lowered the risk for Type 2 diabetes by a whopping 22%, among other benefits.
What foods to avoid? Not surprisingly, the usual culprits of refined sugars and processed foods.
Experts also recommend making time to exercise regularly to reduce diabetes risk. Ideally, try for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week, like swimming, brisk walking or cycling – but if you can’t do that much, remember that every little bit helps.
Finally, stay vigilant in monitoring your blood sugar levels and maintaining regular check-ups with your healthcare provider.
High cholesterol: Diet has a big impact on lowering or managing cholesterol, and thereby reducing risk for heart attacks and strokes. Load up your plates with heart-healthy foods such as oats, nuts, seeds, fatty fish (like sardines, mackerel, and salmon), and soluble fiber into your diet. Limit intake of saturated fats and trans fats.
Physical activity helps raise HDL (good) cholesterol while lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol.If you smoke, quitting can also improve your HDL cholesterol levels and overall heart health.
Hypertension: High blood pressure (hypertension) is a major risk factor for heart disease. Reduce salt intake, exercise regularly, and manage Stress to keep your blood pressure in check. (Read out story on how to stress less.)
Maintaining a healthy weight is also important, as being overweight can increase the risk of heart disease. Excessive alcohol consumption is also a risk factor. Experts say to limit alcohol intake to moderate levels—up to one drink per day for women and two for men.
Cancer: We reported here on specific foods that may help prevent and/or promote healing from cancer, which include a variety of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts) are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and various compounds that may have anticancer properties. They help stimulate enzymes that detoxify carcinogens and may help prevent certain types of cancer.
It’s important to note that while these foods may have potential health benefits, maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise and not smoking is key in reducing the risk of cancer.
Lung disease: Smoking remains the leading cause of lung disease, including Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. Quitting smoking and avoiding exposure to second-hand smoke are key steps in lung disease prevention.
It’s also important to protect against pollutants by limiting exposure to air pollution, chemicals and allergens that can harm lung health. Keep in mind that unhealthy air is not limited to the outdoors; in fact, studies from the Environmental Protection Agency show that indoor levels of pollutants may be two to five times — and alarmingly, sometimes more than 100 times — higher than outdoor levels. (Read our story on the health risks of breathing dirty air in our homes – and what you can do about it.)
Regular exercise strengthens your lungs and improves lung capacity. Activities like walking, swimming, and cycling are great for maintaining lung health. Techniques like deep breathing and diaphragmatic breathing can help expand lung capacity and keep your respiratory muscles strong.
More on healthy aging:
The long haul: Top foods (and other tips) to build better bones
Top foods to help ease joint pain – and give your overall health a boost while you’re at it
Self-care strategies: Nourish your skin and hair from the pantry and fridge
Be mindful: Top 10 foods to boost brain health and ward off cognitive decline
Healthy hacks: Easy ways to add more longevity foods into your diet
Content on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns regarding a medical condition.
