Baby Boomers Aging Needs

Variants in Baby Boomers’ Aging Needs

A century ago, the median life expectancy was 42. Thanks to vast improvements in health and health care, that has doubled. For fit Baby Boomers, the news is even better. Not only will they live longer, but they will be stronger and thus more independent in a way their grandparents could not have imagined.

Caring for Others

One unexpected aging need for Boomers is time and money to take care of aged parents. The Greatest Generation is living longer too, and while most of these individuals are healthy, a number need a certain amount of care. That may involve either moving in with their grown children, or depending upon those children to come in regularly for some basic tasks or to help with errands. Thus, new retirees who thought they’d have a lot of leisure time to pursue activities find themselves with a new set of responsibilities and challenges.

Financial Concerns

Boomers with fewer resources are also challenged as they face the issue of longevity with reduced Social Security and pension payments. Many states are struggling to find staffing in health care facilities and maintain the quality of care expected from Medicaid. While most Boomers are healthy, they still require regular medical care and prescription medicines, requirements that will only increase as they age.

Health Concerns

Arthritis and more mild issues of stiffness and discomfort continue to trouble seniors, many of whom are looking to non-medical means of managing such problems. Exercise programs like yoga and tai chi and non-pharmaceutical treatments like acupuncture and acupressure are pursued with increasing interest, as are herbal and homeopathic remedies.

A Rise in Joint Repair Needs

People age 55 and over continue to jog and play team sports, which is great for both body and spirit, but means that joint care is one of the most prevalent of Baby Boomers’ aging needs. High-impact activities that pound, twist or turn knees can stress joints, putting people at risk for osteoarthritis, a condition that arises when the cartilage lining on the ends of bones wears away.

Instead of knee replacement surgery, many Boomers are opting instead to switch to lower impact activities that still give them a powerful workout without stressing joints. These include yoga, swimming, aqua aerobics, Pilates, cycling, power walking and tai chi. Supplements such as glucosamine can stimulate the formation and repair of cartilage. Likewise, chondroitin sulfate prevents cartilage from degrading.

For seniors who feel strong and want to maintain higher impact activities, an ounce of prevention by way of an elastic bandage or brace can offer excellent support.

The Need to Keep Sharp

Since they are still at the forefront of academia, culture and politics, most Boomers probably don’t consider the need to keep their brains exercised as part of Baby Boomers’ aging needs, but this is far from the case.

Like any exercise program, it is easier to maintain a level of fitness, rather than try and achieve it at after having lost ground. Keep the brain flexible and active by trying the following:

• Take classes at local colleges
• Read newspapers
• Do crossword puzzles and other word and number games
• Engaging in regular stimulating conversation
• Seeking new mental challenges

Likewise, managing stress and maintaining a balanced diet rich in fish oils and dark green vegetables make for a younger brain. The Boomers have always been a powerful force. Just because they’re getting older doesn’t mean they have to stop now.