Baby boomers in their 50s have a lower risk of getting chronic diseases some of which can result in a need for extensive periods of long term care according to a new study conducted by the University of Texas Southwest.
“Nothing like a study to confirm what your mother always told you that exercise is good for you,” explains Jesse Slome, director of the American Association for Long Term Care Insurance. “We have millions of aging baby boomers who are couch potatoes and these folks face a risk of diseases and a higher rate of needing care.”
Physical activity has many proven benefits, Slome notes. “Insurers who offer long term care insurance require applicants to meet certain health standards before they are offered this important protection,” Slome notes. “Weight has an effect on the future risk of cardiovascular disease, bone health and even diseases like Alzheimer’s.”
The study from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, located in Dallas, reveals that one can have a higher quality of life improving the way one ages. According to findings published in the Archives of Internal Medicine it is possible that fit people delay the onset of chronic illness. The director of the project is noted as saying they see reduced chronic disease, rather than just delaying the inevitable.’
Researchers studied over 18,000 healthy men and women, who had undergone a treadmill test sometime around age 50. Using Medicare claims data spanning an average of 26 years, the researchers then linked the treadmill results to the rate of eight chronic conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and colon cancer.
They found that men falling into the lowest fifth of fitness scores, had chronic disease rates that were 28 percent per year. By contrast, the rate was only 16 percent per year among those men in the top fifth.
“When it comes to baby boomers applying for long term care insurance, if you have some weight or health issues it pays to find out which insurer will accept you prior to applying,” Slome recommends. “There can be variances between insurers and you want to avoid being declined coverage if it’s possible.”
To learn more about the health requirements necessary to health qualify for long term care insurance, connect with one of the Association’s professionals who are members and available to provide free no-obligation information on the topic. To connect with one call the organization’s national headquarters at (818) 597-3227. For free guides on reducing long term care insurance costs visit the Association’s website.
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