Boomers Aren’t as Healthy as They Think They Are

A survey from an unexpected source provides interesting data on baby boomers and their health – actual and perceived. In 2008 Energizer Battery kicked off their “KEEP GOING Live Healthy” campaign with a survey polling baby boomers on their attitudes towards their health. Here are the main results of their survey:

• Almost two-thirds of boomers feel they are younger than their actual age
• Over half (55%) feel they’re healthier than their parents
• They claim to have a healthy lifestyle:
• 57% eat healthy foods
• 41% exercise – an average of 2.8 times a week
• 40% have regular check-ups
• 17% use health monitoring devices
• But 24% do nothing for their health
• The 3 most frequent excuses for not exercising: lack of enjoyment, painful joints etc., and lack of time.
• More than 68% take vitamins or nutritional supplements.
• And battery-powered accessories? 69% use an iPod or another MP3, 13% use a pedometer, 8% use a portable CD player, 7% have a radio with headphones, and 6% use a heart rate monitor.

These findings contrast with recent medical statistics. While 2/3 of the boomers rated their health as good, in fact half of those 55-64 have high blood pressure, and 40% are obese. While boomers smoke less and exercise more than their previous generation, diabetes and obesity are more common. By the year 2030, 60% of today’s boomers will be managing more than one chronic condition.

This survey was made online, and is without strict scientific support. However, it does reveal the disparity between perception and truth. Today’s baby boomers will have to increase their actual lifestyle improvement steps if they are to sidestep the chronic diseases that await them further down the road.