How Baby Boomers Are Impacting Healthcare
Given that the oldest baby boomers are turning 70 this year, the healthcare industry is about to see a steady influx of new individuals looking to keep their health a priority. As this generation consists of almost 75 million individuals born between 1946 and 1964, a health administration degree will get full use in the coming decades. In consideration of this issue, we're providing a look at the baby boomers and the healthcare industry being built to cater to their needs.
Overall Health Concerns
The overall health concerns for baby boomers are higher rates of diabetes and obesity, which can indefinitely leave a strain on the healthcare industry. According to the Trust for America's health, many baby boomers between 50 and 64 already have one chronic condition. Although smoking has been less common with baby boomers, the physical activity hasn't increased. If a baby boomer is adding a cheeseburger, sugar-rich juices, or sodas to their regular diet, their future outlook may not be too pretty.
Cancer Treatment Breakthroughs
Baby boomers are part of the "leading edge" when it comes to precise cancer treatments. The therapies used today are not only more effective in combating cancer, but they also happen to be incredibly less toxic than cancer treatments from decades earlier. The end result leads to detailed cancer eradication programs with the ability to tackle the unique forms of cancer that any individual could have.
Baby Boomers & Emergency Room Care
A huge trend in the healthcare industry is the growing demand for geriatric emergency departments that strictly cater to seniors and baby boomers. With over 10,000 boomers turning 65 every day, these new emergency departments are geared to focus on case management, urgent care, acute care screening, geriatric medicine, and psychiatric and social care for baby boomers. Another focus in these departments is the initiative of "successful aging," which assists community and home care options whenever possible.
Dementia Prevention & Breakthroughs
Dementia and Alzheimer's disease have become an issue that many baby boomers fear as they get older. However, it was discovered that regular cardiovascular management (refraining for smoking and eating healthy) and physical activity significantly reduce the chances of cognitive decline. In addition to this, staying healthy can likely reduce a baby boomer's risk for dementia.
Many baby boomers feel as if they're on top of their game and sharp as a tack, but it's important they receive regular checkups to live a long and healthy life. With about 75 million individuals who will need care, the healthcare system will need to evolve and adapt with this demographic.
To learn more about important trends in the healthcare industry, visit the University of Southern California online’s Executive Master of Health Administration program.
Source
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/healthline-/baby-boomers-changing-the_b_11395840.html