We are living longer, but not healthier

While more and more people are living longer lives, they are not necessarily healthy.

According to new studies out of Oxford, Baby Boomers are living longer than previous generations, but they’re doing so in worse health than their predecessors.

Dr. Brobson Lutz with the Orleans Parish Medical Society says with more medicines and treatments than ever before, many people are able to stay alive despite unhealthy lifestyle.

“I suspect that with increased availability of medical care, more things get diagnosed and people get on more medications. Actually, in the United States, I think one of the most chronic problems is excess medical care … due to the nature of highly specialized medicine,” Lutz says.

He suggests blood pressure & cholesterol reduction as being of the utmost importance for those trying to avoid potentially costly doctor visits to begin with. Dr. Lutz adds that as we age, these are the main drivers putting people in the hospital.

The National Institutes of Health published and article where USC found that Americans are living longer, but they are enjoying fewer healthy years.