Study Says Boomer Fitness a Myth

Loyal Sportsgeezer readers know that boomers are the healthiest generation of woman born, right?  Not exactly. A new study suggests that boomers are fatter, more stressed out, and hurt more than previously 50-somethings. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that when University of Pennsylvania sociologist Beth Soldo examined data  from the U.S. Health and Retirement Study, she found that in 1992, 57 percent of people in the 51-56 age group rated their health as excellent or very good.  In 1998, 53 percent did so, and in 2004, the number dropped to 50 percent.
The Post-Gazette reports that since publication two weeks ago of Dr. Soldo's report, called "Cross-Cohort Differences in Health on the Verge of Retirement," people who study health issues have suggested a number of theories to explain why those new to the age group might report more physical problems than their predecessors:

The nation's increased obesity rates, which affect various health issues, are just now showing up as a factor in such data.

Baby boomers may be less stoic than their predecessors, with higher standards for their health and more likelihood ofo complaining about maladies.

Improvements in medical diagnoses and more widespread use of medications make people more aware of their own health issues and less likely to pronounce themselves in top shape.

Increased stress is burdening the newer members of the age group, rendering them less likely to report vigorous health overall.