Baby boomers are poised to become sicker and costlier seniors than earlier generations, according to a new report from the United Health Foundation.
The report looks at the current middle-aged population who will age into senior status (65+) over the next 14 years and examined how the challenges of that generation will impact the senior population. The report compared health measures for the middle-aged population (age 50-64) in 1999 to the same measures for the middle-aged population as of 2014.
Here are nine findings from the report.
1. Middle-aged adults today smoke 50 percent less than seniors when they were middle-aged.
2. Compared to the current population of seniors, middle-aged adults have a 55 percent higher prevalence of diabetes, a 25 percent higher prevalence of obesity and a 9 percent lower prevalence of very good or excellent health status than the earlier generation.
3. Six states are expected to see a 50 percent or greater increase in the number of seniors by 2030, coupled with an 80 percent or greater increase in the prevalence of diabetes compared to the current population of seniors when they were middle-aged. Among these states, Colorado can expect to see a 138 percent increase in the prevalence of diabetes in its senior population by 2030, according to the report.
4. Eleven states are expected to see a 50 percent or greater increase in the number of seniors by 2030, along with a 20 percent or greater increase in the prevalence of obesity compared to the current population of seniors when they were middle-aged. The prevalence of obesity among current middle-aged individuals in Arizona is 96 percent higher than when the current population of seniors was middle-aged — the most dramatic increase of any state.
5. These higher rates of diabetes and obesity are expected to put significant strains on the Medicare program and the overall healthcare system. For example, today one out of every three Medicare dollars is spent on diabetes-related care, and research indicates that between 2009 and 2034, Medicare spending on diabetes is projected to rise from $45 billion to $171 billion, according to the report.
6. The report also looked at challenges and successes in senior health. National successes over the past year include a 9 percent decrease in preventable hospitalizations and an 8 percent decrease in the prevalence of full-mouth teeth extractions. Hip fractures decreased 5 percent from 6.2 to 5.9 hospitalizations per 1,000 Medicare beneficiaries. Challenges over the past year have included a 7 percent decrease in community expenditures given to seniors living in poverty, a 7 percent decrease in home-delivered meals and a 5 percent increase in food insecurity.
7. Over the past three years, obesity among seniors has increased 9 percent, which is higher than the increase in the general population of 6 percent, the report found.
8. Additionally, the report ranked states on the health of their current senior populations. Massachusetts tops the list of healthiest states for older adults, rising from sixth place last year. The state saw success in reducing physical inactivity by 12 percent and smoking by 20 percent, but also saw a decrease of 13 percent in flu vaccination coverage. Rounding out the healthiest states for seniors are Vermont (2), New Hampshire (3), Minnesota (4), Hawaii (5) and Utah (6).
9. Louisiana ranked as the least healthy state for seniors again this year, as it continues to struggle with a high prevalence of smoking, obesity and physical inactivity. The state does receive strong marks in flu vaccination coverage, low prevalence of falls and the availability of home healthcare workers. Oklahoma (49), Mississippi (48), Arkansas (47) and West Virginia (46) round out the states with the greatest challenges for senior health.
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