People born between 1944 to 1965 represent a significant portion of the patient population. But not all “Baby Boomers” are alike. Understanding the unique concerns, characteristics, and values of this age group isn’t easy since they’re one of the largest and most diverse generations ever.

Henchoz Y, von Gunten A, Büla C, et al. Do baby boomers feel healthier than earlier cohorts after retirement age? The Lausanne cohort Lc65+ study. BMJ Open. 2019;9(2):e025175. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2018-025175

 

Economic status, cultural background, family dynamics, and gender account for many differences among individual Baby Boomers. Nonetheless, some universal physical and social aspects of aging serve as unifying factors across the cohort. Rather than trying to stereotype this eclectic group of Americans, taking the time to learn what’s important to each patient will give you the insight to best meet their needs.

 

Challenges Baby Boomer patients face

 

Baby Boomers are in a stage of life where they often juggle several demands while adjusting to big changes.

Boomers overall have had fewer children than parents of earlier generations. They’re also less likely to be currently married or have a religious affiliation, which may leave them with fewer supports.

Zheng H. A new look at cohort trend and underlying mechanisms in cognitive functioning. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 2021;76(8):1652-1663. doi:10.1093/geronb/gbaa107

 

 

While some Baby Boomers have a deeper focus on health and wellness than earlier generations, the majority of today’s older adults have also lived for decades with obesity and chronic diseases. Unfortunately, complications can mean these conditions take an increasingly significant toll with each passing year.

The combined effect of shrinking social supports and greater rates of inactivity, diabetes, and hypertension put Baby Boomers at risk for depression, loneliness, and cognitive decline. Therefore, it’s critical to screen for psychosocial and physical factors that contribute to progressive health problems when caring for this generation.

 

What Baby Boomers want

 

There’s a shared desire for social relationships which Baby Boomers seek out in various places. Those who remain partnered express the desire for continued intimacy as they select long-term care settings.

Rahn A, Jones T, Bennett C, Lykins A. Baby boomers’ attitudes to maintaining sexual and intimate relationships in long‐term care. Australas J Ageing. 2020;39(S1):49-58. doi:10.1111/ajag.12732

Additionally, studies show that Baby Boomers spend just as much time on Facebook as Millennials. However, contrary to their younger counterparts, Baby Boomers with active in-person social lives use social media less. Instead, social media in this age group primarily helps compensate for loneliness or isolation.

Sheldon P, Antony MG, Ware LJ. Baby Boomers' use of Facebook and Instagram: uses and gratifications theory and contextual age indicators. Heliyon. 2021;7(4):e06670. Published 2021 Apr 2. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06670Rodriguez M.

 

As they approach retirement, many Baby Boomers are in search of ways to stay healthy and connected to others. Some of their preferred fitness activities include walking, stair climbing, aquatic exercise, Tai Chi, and stationary cycling. In addition, Boomers who join a health club typically maintain long-term memberships which they make good use of by visiting more frequently than members of other age groups.

The Global Health & Fitness Association. 3 ways Boomers & Silents can drive fitness industry growth. January 16, 2019.

 

If you have Baby Boomer patients who are sedentary, they may have peers who participate in walking groups, fitness classes, or a traditional gym who could pull them in to start a new habit and connect them to a community as well. You could also suggest online groups and social networks that provide accountability for regular exercise.