“Baby Boomers and aging mid-lifers -- ThirdAgers as we call them, have been reported to be experiencing more health problems than previous generations. However, our research, which has findings consistent with the AARP ’s National Health Interview Survey, indicates over 87% indicated that they feel they are in ‘good to excellent ’ health, ” says Whiteley.

No rose – colored glasses

“I don ’t think ThirdAgers are kidding themselves or looking through rose-colored glasses when they report on their health states, ” continues Bitter. “Boomers and today ’s mid-lifers, generally speaking are solution-oriented by nature. Even though they may be dealing with conditions that come with age – like hypertension, high cholesterol or chronic back/neck pain -- they consider these issues as a “natural ” part of aging and overall feel confident that leading-edge therapies and science are going to keep them healthy and vital for years to come. ”

“Boomers are more conscious of health, more educated about it and more familiar with the benefits of exercise, nutrition and other healthy living than previous generations -- for instance, the fact that they are less likely to smoke, ” adds Whiteley. “We believe these factors also contribute to their more positive assessments. ”

Research findings further indicate that future health solutions will include alternative or integrative medicine protocols. Over 83% of all ThirdAge respondents -- not just those on the younger end of the spectrum -- said they are somewhat or very interested in complementary and alternative approaches.

But there are Specific Concerns: Menopause and Sex

Topics previously taboo for earlier generations of the same age were also addressed in this health survey. Of female respondents age 51 and older, 38.5% of respondents said they were moderately or extremely affected during menopause. And all female respondents, close to one-third (30%), said they are somewhat or very concerned about their partner ’s sexual health. When asked the same question, almost half of all male respondents reported they have the same level of concern about their own partner ’s sexual health.

Who Are Boomers Turning to For Healthcare Information?

A primary way this dynamic demographic is gathering health-related information is the Internet, ” says Bitter. Over 89 percent of ThirdAgers go online for health information, with over 80% clicking on online ads about a health condition, product or service to receive more information. Though Boomers are using the Internet on a regular basis for health-related information, 73% of survey respondents also shared that they are concerned about their privacy.

“Trusted resources and credible information is clearly a factor, ” continues Bitter. Close to one-third (28.5%) read health-related blogs; while 71.6% reported they do not. On the other hand, 54% have, or reported they would enroll in online health classes, and over 25% of respondents have taken an offline health workshop.

“Boomers will be as demanding and innovative about their healthcare as they have been about all the other aspects of their lives through the years, ” concludes Whiteley. “Their contributions and needs will continue to affect their outlook and well-being, as they continue to literally change the process of aging in America and redefine what it means to get older. ”

Top-Line Findings

-- Survey respondents consider themselves to be in good health. A full

49.8% say they are in "Very Good" or "Excellent" health, with

another 37.8% saying they are in "Good" health. Only 12.4% say that

they are only in "Fair" or "Poor" health.

-- Still, about half of respondents (50.2%) say they suffer from one

or more chronic conditions. The most commonly cited:

-- Hypertension (13.4%)

-- High cholesterol (12.1%)

-- Chronic back/neck problems (10.4%)

-- Osteoarthritis (7.1%)

-- Diabetes (6.1%)

-- Asthma (5.2%)

-- 15.5% say that Alzheimer's has been present in their immediate

family

-- 29.1% have visited a physician for a problem that they thought was

heart-related

-- Of female respondents age 51 or older, 38.5% say that they were

"Moderately affected" or "Extremely affected" during menopause

-- Of all female survey respondents, almost one-third (29.5%) say that

they are "Somewhat concerned" or "Very concerned" about their

partner's sexual health. Almost half (49.7%) of male respondents

say that they have the same level of concern about their own

partner's sexual health.

-- 82.8% of all respondents are "Somewhat interested" or "Very

interested" in alternative or integrative medicine

-- 12.7% have provided long-term care (at least three months) for a

spouse or partner. But 39.8% have provided care for an aging parent

or other relative.

-- Of those who've provided care for a parent/aging relative, 49.6%

did so locally. Another 37% did so under the same roof, while the

remaining 13.4% organized long-distance care.

-- Survey respondents are concerned about privacy when visiting Web

sites for health-related information (78.3% say they are "Somewhat

concerned" or "Very concerned")

-- 9.2% currently keep track of their health with a personal health

record system. Another 57.8% say that they don't use one right now

but would consider doing so.

-- 88.7% of respondents are insured (78.6% through an employer - their

own or a spouse's - and 21.4% through other means)

-- 25.6% have long-term care insurance already. Another 43.5% would

consider getting it.

-- 28.5% read health-related blogs. 71.6% do not.

-- 14.6% participate in online communities around health-related

issues. 85.4% do not.

-- 27.3% watch health-related videos online "Occasionally" or

"Frequently." The other 72.7% say they watch such online videos

"Infrequently" or "Never"

-- 10.9% have signed up for an online health class. Another 43.4% say

that they would consider doing so.

-- 25.3% have already taken an offline health workshop. Another 37.9%

say that they would consider doing so.