Were you born from 1945 to 1965? If so, you are part of the unique generation known as the baby boomers. Here are interesting facts about baby boomers in America. One of them could save your life.
1. Baby boomers are one of the biggest generations in US history.
The baby boomer generation, which comprises a staggering 77 million Americans, is rivaled only by millennials – many of whom are the kids of boomers. Millennials, who were born from 1980 to 1999, also include an estimated 77 million Americans.
2. Baby boomers support their kids in and out of the nest.
More than a third of baby boomers have kids under 18 living in their homes, and research from the National Endowment for Financial Education shows that 60 percent of boomers also provide some form of economic support to their adult kids.
3. Baby boomers are living longer than previous generations.
Compared to previous generations, baby boomers are living longer and they’re also more likely to remain independent and live in their own homes as they age. Plus, they can depend on numerous state and federal senior care programs, for example Community Medicine.
4. Many baby boomers are working longer hours.
Boomers plan to continue working once they qualify for retirement, even if they’ve the option to stop. In fact, only 11 percent of baby boomers plan to stop working entirely once they reach retirement age, according to a survey by AARP.
5. Hepatitis C is a silent epidemic amongst baby boomers.
People born from 1945 to 1965 were five times more likely to be infected with Hepatitis C and account for more than three out of each four Americans living with the disease. That’s why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everybody born from 1945 to 1965 get a blood test for Hepatitis C.
Many baby boomers living with Hepatitis C don’t have any idea how or when they caught it. Hepatitis C is a virus that attacks the liver and, if left untreated, can cause serious liver disease. In fact, Hepatitis C is the leading reason for liver cancer.
The CDC estimates that testing everybody born from 1945 to 1965 could identify 800,000 people who did not know their Hepatitis C infection, and over time, could save 120,000 lives. Testing baby boomers for Hepatitis C is important, because people with Hepatitis C often don’t have any symptoms and can live with the disease for many years without feeling sick. Meanwhile, liver damage may occur silently.
Fortunately, new treatments are available that can cure Hepatitis C. If you were born from 1945 to 1965, talk to your doctor about getting tested for Hepatitis C. It can save your life.
To learn more about Hepatitis C, visit www.cdc.gov/knowmorehepatitis.
