New research found that baby boomers have a longer lifespan than previous generations but are more likely to experience illness, obesity and chronic health problems.
People currently in their 50s and 60s were more likely to have serious health problems than those born before or during the second world war at the same age. In particular, increased cases of cancer, lung disease, heart problems, diabetes, and high cholesterol were noted.
Lead author Laura Gimeno said: ‘Even with advances in medicine and greater public awareness about healthy living, people born since 1945 are at greater risk of chronic illness and disability than their predecessors.’
Researchers from the University of Oxford and University College London (UCL) analysed data from more than 100,000 people over 50 across the US and Europe. Factors considered included doctor-diagnosed illness, body mass index and records of disability status. Rates of chronic disease rose with each successive generation across all regions.
‘Increasing demands for health and social care will have huge implications’
Other markers considered were blood pressure and grip strength testing. An indicator of overall muscle ageing, grip strength had declined generationally in England and the US but remained constant in the rest of Europe.
Baby boomers in Britain were 1.5 times more likely to have difficulty with personal care tasks such as eating, bathing and walking than those born pre-1945. The authors suggest that obesity could be a major cause of these difficulties, with the post-war diet including more meat, fat and sugar.
The researchers also highlighted the potential economic impact of generationally declining health. Laura Gimeno said: ‘With up to a fifth of the population in high-income western nations now over 65, increasing demands for health and social care will have huge implications on government spending.’
The study suggests that the problem is likely to worsen for generations that follow the baby boomers. Gimeno added: ‘If life expectancy remains stable or continues to increase, these worrying trends may see younger generations spending more years in poor health and living with disability.’
Published in the Journals of Gerontology, the study calls for a greater focus on effective management of increased chronic illness. It says: ‘Worsening quality of life and increasing disability and functional limitation are not inevitable consequences of increasing chronic disease in younger generations, provided these conditions are well-managed.’
Stabilising obesity rates
In September, NHS data revealed that obesity rates had begun to plateau for the first time in two decades. The figures measured the height and weight of 9,000 adults and children across England to record their body mass index.
Almost one third (27%) of children aged two to 15 were found to be overweight or obese – the lowest level since 2000. Similarly, 29% of adults were living with obesity, and 64% were overweight or living with obesity. This has remained stable since 2019.
Dr Clare Hambling is NHS national clinical director for diabetes and obesity. She said: ‘Today’s figures show the importance of supporting people who are overweight or living with obesity to reach a healthier weight. The NHS can play its part in that, alongside local councils, but we need to work with the rest of society to tackle the issues that contribute to obesity to help people remain as healthy as possible.’
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