Boomers are getting older in less-than-optimal health

It's not too late to shape up. Diet, exercise and a wary eye on family history are key.

By Susan J. Landers, AMNews staff. Jan. 16, 2006.

Washington -- Physicians should brace themselves for a surge of chronically ill patients over the next decade, as many of the oldest baby boomers are likely to fill their retirement calendars with doctor appointments rather than golf dates, according to a new federal report.

Rates of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and strokes could increase among those ages 55 to 64 due to growing rates of obesity and hypertension, according to Health, United States, 2005, an annual look at the nation's vital signs taken by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics.

The health of the oldest baby boomers was given particularly close scrutiny in the new report, and the findings do not bode well for many of those nearing retirement age. Half of Americans 55 to 64 have high blood pressure, and two in five are obese, according to the report.

Hypertension rates and obesity have been steadily increasing over time for this age group. Measures taken from 1988 to 1994 and from 1999 to 2002 show hypertension prevalence rose from 42% to 50%, and obesity increased from 31% to 39%.

The report also found that the oldest baby boomers are more likely to visit health care practitioners. The percentage of 55- to 64-year-olds who paid at least one health care visit in the past year rose from 85% to 89%. And those who made four or more visits rose from 43% to 50%.

The flagging health of baby boomers, coupled with their tremendous numbers -- 78 million in total and about 29 million in the leading edge -- is likely to mean that they will be major consumers of health services. This month, the first members of the group turn 60, and by 2011 they will become eligible for Medicare.