This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
Working keeps baby boomers healthy, says health expert
England's chief medical officer Professor Dame Sally Davies has called on people aged between 50 and 70, often named the baby boom generation, to keep working to stay healthy.
The report, Baby Boomers: Fit for the Future, claims that the physical and mental health benefits of being employed or volunteering ‘should not be underestimated’ for those in that age bracket, as it prevents isolation.
Considering topics such as the impact of lifestyle choices on current and future health, mental health, sexual health, and screening and immunisation programmes, the report found that 45 per cent of the disease burden in this age group is attributable to lifestyle choices.
More than 75 per cent of people aged between 50 and pension age are still in active employment, while 12 per cent of those older than pension age are also still working. By 2020, it is estimated that a third of British workers will be aged over 50.
Additionally, 18 per cent of those in the report claimed to have depression or anxiety disorder, which is twice the proportion in the generation born before 1945.
Davies said: "People are living longer than ever and so retirement presents a real opportunity for baby boomers to be more active than ever before. For many people it is a chance to take on new challenges - it is certainly not the start of a slower pace of life it once was.
"Staying in work, volunteering or joining a community group can make sure people stay physically and mentally active for longer. The health benefits of this should not be underestimated."
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