Baby Boomers

Baby-boomers are members of the generation born between the years of 1946 and 1964. These “boomers” make up a large portion of our population and in 2006 the first boomer would have reached age 60. There are approximately 76 million baby boomers and the majority of those can expect to require future long term care or home health care services at some point. Even a recent article written by Mayo Clinic which spoke on the various health issues this demographic face can elaborate upon this idea.Given the large demographic which falls under this category, this group is certainly one that long term care facilities should prepare for as they all age into these services together. In fact by 2030, all baby boomers will be age 65 or older. Due to the fact that this group also has a large number of obesity and other conditions, this group could also place a strain on government programs such as health care when they require care all at relatively the same time. In fact the U.S possesses the highest obesity rate within that age group with 40% of the group falling under the obesity range.

Obesity can of course lead to other complications such as high blood pressure and other conditions which can render you more likely to need long term care. As stated by the Mayo Clinic in regards to obesity, here are other conditions more likely to implicate serious health problems:

• high blood pressure;
• diabetes (Type II) and elevated A1C levels;
• High blood fat content which can easily lead to coronary artery disease and stroke;
• coronary artery disease, which can lead to a heart attack;
• strokes;
• osteoarthritis causing joint pain and stiffness and can lead to falls that cause bone fractures;
• All types of cancer;
• fatty liver disease, including cirrhosis;
• gallbladder disease; and
• gout

These facts are the main reason that Baby-Boomers should look into long term care insurance if they can afford it, because if they plan today they can peacefully enjoy tomorrow.