When it comes to their health, seniors’ talk doesn’t match execution

Talk is about all they do to stay healthy, according to the latest Southeastern Institute of Research/Boomer Project Boomer Trend Report.  The research among 1,400 adults conducted in November 2005 found that Baby Boomers over the age of 50 say the most important things to do to stay healthy are to exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of water.

But when it comes to what they actually do on a regular basis, the only things Boomers over 50 say they do are drink plenty of water, take vitamins and get routine healthcare.  They do not exercise regularly or eat a balanced diet.

When asked about the importance of several activities to staying healthy, two-thirds of Boomers over 50 said regular exercise and eating a balanced diet were very important.  65% of Boomers over 50 also said drinking plenty of water is very important.

Yet, when asked how often they do those activities, only 21% of Boomers over 50 said they exercised regularly, and only 28% said they eat a balanced diet.  However, 44% said they drink plenty of water, 49% said they get routine healthcare and 50% take vitamins

"Boomers over 50 may be healthier, wealthier and better educated than any previous generation of 50-year-olds in American history," said Matt Thornhill,  president of the Boomer Project.  "But they also may be poised for a big fall if all they do to stay healthy is drink designer water and pop vitamins all day long."

The research also found that Boomers ages 41-50 and Young Adults, those 18-40 years old, scored similarly to older Boomers on knowing what is important to staying healthy and how often they do those things, with the exception of taking vitamins.  Those under 50 are less likely to take vitamins regularly.

"These results certainly mix good news with bad.  Clearly Boomers know what to do to stay healthy.  But they just aren't doing it," said Thornhill. "This gap between knowledge and action must be bridged, and fast."