Boomer Life Expectancy On The Rise

Lets go back to the early 1900s (way before the boomer years). In those days, the life expectancy of an average person was only 47 years, which is now considered a young age to die, by civilized societies standards. Todays statistics show that men and women are now living way longer than before, with an expectancy of 75 years for men and over 79 years for women. How has that happened? Well, during the last century, people ate what was readily available, not taking into consideration the idea of proper and good nutrition. Moreover, a lot of medications for diseases (some even considered common nowadays) were not yet discovered or developed. Life was also way harder back then. Think of working in sweat factories, spending cold nights without central heating and really hot summers without air - conditioning. So modern medicine, good nutrition and an easier life has played a huge role in increasing life expectancy. But the question is, even if we reach 70 or even 80 or 100 will we be healthy, or will we be stuck in our beds or wheelchairs looking outside our bedroom windows?
Face it, with all the luxuries and conveniences that we have, we have succumbed to living an inactive and unhealthy lifestyle. Think about fast-food, take out and TV dinners, and lying on the couch while watching DVDs. Sounds familiar, right? Because of this, a lot of sedentary lifestyle caused diseases and complications are more common than ever; Obesity, osteoporosis, heart disease, diabetes, cancer to name just a few. And for baby boomers, inactivity and poor eating habits are particularly dangerous, because were at the age when our unhealthy lifestyle is beginning to catch up to us. Starting to notice a decrease in your metabolism? Or a decrease in your muscle mass? Having a hard time eliminating body fat? Trouble performing aerobic activities? Having a hard time breathing while walking, climbing up the stairs or running? These are what you call bio markers or signs of aging. If youre starting to feel that, the chances are if you ever reach 75 or 80, youll be having a hard time enjoying your golden years.
This brings us to exercise a very underrated and easy activity that the average person usually takes for granted. But a little exercise (just twenty minutes a day) is enough to reduce the risk of diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes. More so, exercise rewards you with great circulation, reduced cholesterol and stronger bones. With just a little exercise, youre on your way to a fitter body, so you can enjoy the expected years ahead.
Want helpful tips on keeping fit and healthy for the years to come? Have ideas you want to share? Visit boomeryearbook.com to learn and share, and while youre on it connect with other boomers!
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