Baby Boom Health Approaching 60

Linda G. Martin, RAND
Vicki A. Freedman, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
Robert Schoeni, University of Michigan
Patricia Andreski, University of Michigan

Is the Baby Boom generation less healthy than previous cohorts in middle age? We assess recent trends in multiple indicators of health for people ages 40-59. Since 1982, mortality and reports of poor/fair health have declined. From 1997 to 2006, the prevalence of reports of some diseases has increased, but prevalence of functional limitations and most measures of disability is stable. Conclusions about trends vary by specific health indicator, time period, and age range, but overall Baby Boomers appear to be doing as well as, if not better than, those of similar ages in the past.