From obesity to cancer: people over 50 are now affected by chronic diseases earlier than their parents and grandparents – claims a British study.
Life expectancy has been increasing in Germany since the first general mortality tables were published in 1871/1881. Only the corona pandemic and strong flu waves slowed down this development.
Given these numbers, one might assume that the post-war generations are significantly healthier than people born before or during the Second World War. But a new Oxford study now claims exactly the opposite, as reported by “” among others. The British researchers claim to have found that people now aged between 50 and 60 are in poorer health than people from previous generations when they were that age.
The researchers collected data over 14 years
“Despite medical advances and increased public awareness of healthy lifestyles, people born after 1945 are at higher risk of chronic disease and disability than their ancestors,” said Laura Gimeno, lead author of the study, published in the journal The Journals of Gerontology” appeared. According to this, people are increasingly affected by obesity, type 2 diabetes, cancer, heart problems, high cholesterol levels and other diseases.
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The researchers collected data from the USA, England and eleven other European countries between 2004 and 2018. Subjects were people over the age of 50 from different generations who were divided into five cohorts between the years of birth 1925 and 1959. According to the study, the differences were particularly clear for those born between 1936 and 1945 and between 1955 and 1959. The latter are more often affected by chronic diseases.
“Disturbing new evidence” on chronic diseases
While cases of type 2 diabetes rose equally in all regions, scientists recorded more cancer diagnoses, heart problems and higher cholesterol levels in England and other European countries. Baby boomers were 1.5 times more likely to suffer from these diseases than previous generations of the same age.
The researchers cannot completely rule out the possibility that improved diagnostic techniques in medicine and a greater awareness of one’s own health influence the results. Nevertheless, the results indicate a negative trend. “Our study provides worrying new evidence that the health of younger generations is deteriorating as they age,” says Gimeno.
More chronic diseases in younger cohorts do not necessarily mean a worse quality of life. But this trend could lead to “younger generations living in poor health and with disabilities for more years.” The reasons for this could vary depending on the context, according to the study authors. Future research must therefore clarify which factors influence the negative health trend among baby boomers.
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Source: Stern
I’m Caroline, a journalist and author for 24 Hours Worlds. I specialize in health-related news and stories, bringing real-world impact to readers across the globe. With my experience in journalism and writing in both print and online formats, I strive to provide reliable information that resonates with audiences from all walks of life.
