Age is a risk factor for many health problems, and baby boomers are no exception. Baby boomers born between 1946 and 1964 are more likely to suffer from age-related health problems than younger generations. Here are 13 of the most common health issues that baby boomers should know.
Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes is a severe health condition in which the body does not make enough insulin or cannot use it properly. Being overweight and physically inactive are risk factors for type 2 diabetes, and baby boomers are more likely to be overweight and sedentary than other generations.
What can you do? Maintaining a healthy weight and regular exercising lowers the risk of this type of diabetes for baby boomers.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other severe health conditions. Baby boomers are more susceptible to high blood pressure than younger generations due to lifestyle factors like physical inactivity and a high-salt diet.
Eating healthier, exercising regularly, and reducing stress can all help lower blood pressure.
Heart Disease
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, with baby boomers at a higher risk. High cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking, and high blood pressure can all lead to an increased risk of developing heart disease.
You can prevent this disease by eating a healthy diet, moving around more, and avoiding tobacco products. Also, regular checkups with your doctor can catch any early warning signs and allow for treatment before serious complications arise.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a liver disease that commonly affects baby boomers as they age. The condition, caused by the hepatitis C virus, spreads through contact with blood (such as intravenous drug use or accidental needle sticks). The good news is that there are effective treatments for hepatitis C that can reduce the risk of long-term health problems.
Cancer
Cancer is a result of DNA mutation within cells. Baby boomers are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer because of their prolonged exposure to environmental toxins and longer life expectancy, which leaves them more exposed to risk factors.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle, get regular screenings, and avoid exposure to environmental toxins. Also, eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk.
Stroke
A stroke, or brain attack, occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and impairs the blood supply. As individuals age, their risk of stroke increases, putting baby boomers in particular danger if they don’t recognize the warning signs and seek medical attention.
The best thing to do is to address the underlying factors that lead to stroke. Reduce salt intake, red and processed meat, and saturated fats.
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease are two of the most common cognitive disorders in older adults. They can cause memory loss, confusion, difficulty with daily tasks, and behavioral changes. The risk of dementia increases with age, but several lifestyle modifications can reduce the risk.
Staying mentally engaged slows the progression of dementia and Alzheimer’s by keeping your mind sharp. Simple activities like reading, playing board games, or doing puzzles can help maintain memory and cognitive function.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is when the bones become weak and brittle as a result of bone mass loss. The most common cause of osteoporosis is aging, making baby boomers more prone to the condition.
Maintaining a healthy diet full of calcium and vitamin D reduces the risk of osteoporosis. Regular weight-bearing exercises like walking, jogging, or yoga strengthen bones.
Emphysema
Smoking is the most common cause of emphysema, but years of exposure to environmental pollutants can also be responsible. Emphysema is a chronic lung disease that affects the air sacs in your lungs and makes breathing difficult.
If you are a baby boomer who smoked, taking steps now is essential to avoid further lung damage. The best way to reduce your risk of emphysema and other related diseases is by quitting smoking.
Arthritis
Arthritis is an excruciating condition in which joints deteriorate due to wear and tear from years of use. As a result of aging and years of activity, baby boomers are more susceptible to arthritis.
Arthritis has no cure, but treatments are available to reduce pain and inflammation. Also, engaging in low-impact activities (like yoga, swimming, and biking) and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the symptoms of arthritis and improve flexibility.
Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that causes persistent coughing and lung mucus production. Asides from aging which contributes to the development of the disease, baby boomers who have smoked for many years are more likely to suffer from chronic bronchitis than those who haven’t.
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is a natural part of aging, so baby boomers are more likely to suffer from it than other generations. While there is no cure for hearing loss, wearing hearing aids or using assistive listening devices can improve communication and quality of life.
Vision Loss
Vision loss is an age-related condition that affects baby boomers. Cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy are common vision conditions in older adults. Keep up with regular eye exams to diagnose any underlying problems before they become serious.
More From Health Makes You
Hearing loss is a serious condition that can significantly impact one’s quality of life. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the common bad habits which can lead to hearing loss. Here are 14 bad habits that could make you deaf if left unchecked.
14 Bad Habits That Could Make You Deaf
Want to be Fit and Healthy? DON’T DO These 18 Things
Do you want to be fit and healthy? It’s time to say goodbye to habits holding you back from achieving your health goals. Here are twenty unhealthy habits to stop now and how to start the journey toward a healthier lifestyle.
Want to be Fit and Healthy? DON’T DO These 18 Things
The 20 Worst Habits That Are Destroying Your Heart
Living a healthy lifestyle is essential for maintaining a healthy heart. Unfortunately, many of us have bad habits that can harm our hearts. These unhealthy behaviors can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and coronary artery disease.
The 20 Worst Habits That Are Destroying Your Heart
The 30 Worst Foods to Eat After 30
Eating healthily is vital at all times, but after 30, consuming certain foods can harm more than help. By avoiding these food items when you reach your thirties, you can promote lasting health and happiness for years.
The 30 Worst Foods to Eat After Age 30
You Have No Business Eating These Foods for Dinner, Unless You Just Don’t Care
Breakfast may be the most important meal of the day, but dinner is a close second. Eating a healthy and nutritious dinner can give you energy and help your body prepare for a good night of restful sleep. Some foods, however, won’t only deny you these benefits — they can create more problems. Avoid these dinner foods to keep your body in a healthy balance.
You Have No Business Eating These Foods for Dinner, Unless You Just Don’t Care
This article was produced on Health Makes You.