Boomers need to get fit or risk sidelining for medical treatment
by Gareth E on 01/03/2023
A sobering report by Grattan Institute about chronic illnesses could signify looming trouble for Aussie boomers.
The report explains that the Federal Government is considering an Australian Centre for Disease Control(ACDC). However, this has been promised multiple times in the past but has never eventuated. It's primary purpose would be to highlight the causes of chronic illness, many of which are personal choices. The focus can then be upon prevention instead of costly cures.
The crux of the issue is that Australia now has a significant economic burden for treatment of chronic diseases. It states "Chronic disease is by far the biggest part of Australia’s disease burden and its impact is growing. Already, half of Australians live with at least one chronic disease. Chronic conditions are the biggest killer in Australia, making up 85 per cent of the burden of disease, and contributing to 9 in 10 deaths. .. the toll will keep growing, because many risk factors for chronic disease, such as obesity, are rising dramatically."
The report also lists smoking and alcohol consumption as high risk factors.
It states "The direct cost to Australia of managing and treating chronic diseases caused by modifiable risk factors is estimated at well over $20 billion per year. The total preventable economic cost may be as high as $160 billion per year."
The creation of an organisation to drive change in people's lifestyle and consumption habits would help this problem immensely. However, this is hampered, mostly by vested interests and lack of political will. Corporations that manufacture or market unhealthy products can spend large amounts on lobbying governments in order to avoid loss of sales or the cost of making their products less harmful. Those governments themselves prefer to spend on projects with immediately visible results instead of those with benefits which will materialise mostly in the nebulous future.
Where does all of this leave boomers? In my estimation, not in a favourable position. Australia's health budgets are already strained. Much of the growth in chronic illness is occurring among younger citizens. For example, the report states that rates of mental illness are growing among young Australians.
The danger is that if things don't change, increasingly decisions will need to be made about who to spend available health funding on for the best value. Also, no doubt for the best media appeal. It won't be boomers.
Our best bet for a longer life will be to focus on fitness, doing whatever it takes to minimise our own risk of chronic diseases. Certainly, those which have already manifested are harder to reverse. Harder though, doesn't mean impossible. Many individuals with even advanced chronic illness can bring about some improvement through lifestyle and dietary changes.
It's also worth considering a change in mantras and publicity focus. For example, 'eat well and live longer' could be reworded to read 'eat well and enjoy a better life'.
Boomers could increasingly find themselves being required to fund their own treatments for chronic illnesses, especially those which are easily avoidable. That will be fine for those who are asset rich. Unfortunately, a large percent of boomers just aren't.
Perhaps boomers need to lobby governments to provide funding for the widespread availability of affordable fitness programs for seniors with limited incomes.
Source: Grattan Institute Report: ACDC - Highway To Health 12.02.2023
Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash