Are baby boomers healthier than generation x?

OBJECTIVE: To determine differences in sociodemographic and health related characteristics of Australian Baby Boomers and Generation X at the same relative age. METHODS: The 1989 National Health Survey (NHS) for Boomers (1946-1965 n=5.3M) and the 2008 NHS for Generation Xers (1966-1980 n=5.9M) was used to compare the cohorts at the same age of 25-44 years. Z-tests were used to determine generational differences for males and females in education, employment, smoking, physical activity, Body Mass Index (BMI), self-rated health and diabetes. Prevalence estimates and p-values are reported. Logistic regression models were then conducted to adjust for sex, education and age. Model 1 examined overweight/obesity (BMI>=25) and Model 2 examined diabetes prevalence as the dependent variables with generation the independent variable. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals are reported. RESULTS: Tertiary educational attainment was higher among Generation X males (27.6% vs.15.2% p<0.001) and females (30.0% vs.10.6% p<0.001). Boomer females had a higher rate of unemployment (5.6%vs.2.5% p<0.001). Boomer males and females had a higher prevalence of ‘excellent' self-reported health (35.9%vs.21.8% p<0.001; 36.3%vs.25.1% p<0.001) and smoking (36.3% vs. 30.4% p<0.001; 28.3% vs. 22.3% p<0.001). Generation X males (18.3% vs.9.4% p<0.001) and females (12.7%vs.10.4% p=0.0152) demonstrated a higher prevalence of obesity(BMI>30.00). No differences in physical activity were observed. Model 1 and 2 indicated Generation X were more likely than Boomers to be overweight/obese (OR:2.11,1.82-2.44) and have diabetes (OR:6.52,4.21-10.11). CONCLUSIONS: Self-rated health has deteriorated while obesity and diabetes prevalence has increased. This may impact on workforce participation and health care utilization in the future.