Report: Baby boom seniors will be sicker than earlier generations

The next generation of senior citizens will be sicker and costlier to the healthcare system over the next 14 years than previous generations, according to a report released this week (Source: “Baby Boomers Will Become Sicker Seniors Than Earlier Generations,” National Public Radio, May 25, 2016).

According to the America's Health Rankings senior report  from the United Health Foundation, by 2030 there will be about 55 percent more senior citizens who have diabetes than there are today, and about 25 percent more who are obese. Overall, the report says that the next generation of seniors will be 9 percent less likely to say they have good or excellent overall health.

The health ranking for Ohio seniors dropped eight spots from 30th in 2015 to 38th in 2016. Contributing factors for Ohio’s lower ranking, according to the report, were food insecurity, which increased 26 percent, and obesity, which increased 17 percent.