By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Sobering Report for Health of 40+
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Policy & Law > Public Health > Sobering Report for Health of 40+
eHealthPublic HealthWellness

Sobering Report for Health of 40+

Anthony Cirillo
Anthony Cirillo
Share
4 Min Read
wellness
SHARE
wellness

A MetLife Report on the Health Status of the 40+ Population paints a sobering picture.

wellness

A MetLife Report on the Health Status of the 40+ Population paints a sobering picture. It focuses on three areas.

Obesity

Obesity carries with it an increased risk for many chronic conditions, such as hypertension, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and even loss of sight, among others. 

Unhealthy behaviors and lifestyles that impact our health such as poor eating habits, lack of exercise, lack of sleep, excess alcohol, and stress affect our quality of life, longevity, and ultimately increase our healthcare costs.

These numbers tell the story:
  • More than a quarter (27.1%) of adults aged 50-64 are sedentary, defined as not doing any physical activity outside of work for 30 days.
  • 27.8% of U.S. adults 18 years and older—66 million people—are obese, defined as being roughly 30 or more pounds over a healthy weight.
  • 9.5% of U.S. adults have diabetes.
  • 30.8% of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, or hypertension, which is a primary risk for cardiovascular disease.
It is estimated that obesity increases the cost of Medicare expenditures, per person, by $1,723 per year. The annual medical burden of obesity is nearly 8.5% of total annual Medicare expenditures.

Greater Prevalence of Chronic Disease

  • Data from the National Health Interview Survey found that between 2000 and 2010, the percentage of adults ages 45–64 with two or more of nine selected chronic conditions increased for men and women, all racial and ethnic groups examined, and most income groups.
     
  • The percentage of these chronically-ill adults who did not receive or delayed medical care due to cost increased from 17% to 23%, and the percentage who did not receive needed prescription drugs due to cost increased from 14% to 22%
Growth in chronic conditions during the 10-year period reported is due to the prevalence of hypertension increase from 35% to 41%, diabetes from 10% to 15%, and cancer from 9% to 11%, among those aged 45 and over. 

Disability Decreases for Older Population, Increases for Younger

The 65+ Medicare population has actually decreased in disabilities. Several researchers have found that disability is increasing in the under-65 population. Several researchers have attributed at least 50% of the decline in recent disability to change in the education composition of the population.
Increases in education and health literacy have been a major force for improvement in health over time, primarily in the area of disability.

Technology and In-Home Care

Both technology and in-home care have the potential to make very positive impacts on overall health status and associated costs, especially as people age and are faced with more incidents of chronic disease and potential accidents. 

Recently back from the World Health Congress,  I can report that tele-health is the wave of the future. Get ready for more care at room designed to keep you out of the emergency department, the hospital and even your physician’s office. 

Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

a woman walking on the hallway
6 Easy Healthcare Ways to Sit Less and Move More Every Day
Health
September 9, 2025
Clinical Expertise
Healthcare at a Crossroads: Why Leadership Matters More Than Ever
Global Healthcare
September 9, 2025
travel nurse in north carolina
Balancing Speed and Scope: Choosing the Nursing Degree That Fits Your Goals
Nursing
September 1, 2025
intimacy
How to Keep Intimacy Comfortable as You Age
Relationship and Lifestyle Senior Care
September 1, 2025

You Might also Like

eHealth

How Can The eHealth System Influence Quality Of Care?

April 9, 2019

EmpreenderSaúde and Startup Saúde Brasil: Helping Healthcare Entrepreneurs to Change the World

April 18, 2012

Healthcare Internet Hall of Fame Announces 2012 Inductees

November 3, 2012

Using Smartphones to Check for Skin Cancer

September 14, 2012
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?