‘Boomers’ aren’t ok – Health

Baby boomers are defined as those born between 1945 and 1963. Boomers were born into a time of enormous social and financial change and while that brought great benefits, many are now not enjoying the good health they should be.

We live an increasingly hectic lifestyle, where everyone is busy and time poor and chasing their tails. We have access to excellent food, healthcare and associated facilities, but ironically, baby boomers are the first generation to be physically worse off than their forebears.

Bucking the trend

It’s interesting to note that while fatalities from heart disease are falling, the incidence of heart disease is on the rise. A charity, Heart UK, found the number of people living with heart disease and leaving the workforce prematurely is set to double over the next 25 years. Boomers have generally spent more years being overweight than previous generations, bringing greater levels of arthritis and other conditions. These all point to a prospectively longer life lived with considerable discomfort.

Notably, while boomers may generally consume fewer calories than their parents, they’re getting fatter because they’re not active enough. Time spent in the car or at the office was often time spent far more actively a generation ago.

Adapt

It is hard to admit to aging and make adjustments. However, to live a long and enjoyable life, where we can truly benefit from everything available in this modern world, adapt we must.

Good diet and exercise lays the groundwork for a healthy, functional body. Remember though, even if you are active, that the exercise that you could easily do as a 30 year old, may not be as beneficial on a 50 or 60 year old body. You may need to stretch more, warm up longer, focus on your core more, rather than just going for a run.

Yes, a glass of wine may have health benefits, but as a nation, we drink too much and a few alcohol free days a week have health benefits too!

We have more time and labour saving devices than ever before. We can buy calorie-controlled meals, have groceries delivered or have a fitness trainer visit our home. But, the real question is, are you really taking care of yourself? Are you as healthy and functional as you can be? Or, are you putting that off until one day, because you are busy with work, family and life in general?

It may be time to stop and evaluate. Prepare a time budget and factor in some time every day to do an activity you enjoy, that contributes to your well being.

Be conscious, not fanatical about your food. Develop the habit of eating well, feeling good and being well rested. Try and eliminate those three words that are the enemy of self improvement, “I’m too busy.”

Be good to your body. It will return the favour!