Baby Boomers’ Bad Backs Put Brakes on Lifestyle Says New Zealand Chiropractors

Kiwi baby boomers are not coping well with the onset of late middle age, according to the New Zealand Chiropractors’ Association.

Citing a new US report into trends in disability among 50- to 64-year-olds1, the chiropractors point out that an increasing number of New Zealanders are seeking help for functional disabilities linked to back problems that began earlier in life.

Dr Hayden Thomas, chiropractor and spokesperson for the New Zealand Chiropractors’ Association explains that health care professionals are seeing a rising tide of disability among the baby boomer generation.

Between 1946 and 1965 NZ Statistics calculates that 1.125 million babies were born in New Zealand – 77% more than in the 20 years before the baby boom.

The Department of Labour says that this means by the middle of this century, one in four New Zealanders will be aged 65 or older, compared with one in eight today.

Dr Thomas says ‘We are seeing more people with problems in this age group. They are generally far more concerned with their quality of life and are not prepared to put up with conditions that affect that. Unlike previous generations who tended to resign themselves to progressive degeneration, these people are looking forward to another 40 years of good function and want us to help them maintain or improve their wellbeing. Our experience is confirmed by data recently published from the US National Health Interview Survey1 that over the 10-year period from 1997 to 2007 found increasing problems reported among this group.'

‘Over 40% of people aged 50–64 reported that, because of a health problem they now had difficulty with at least one of nine physical functions, and many reported difficulty with more than one function according to the researchers.’

The most common problems cited were:
1. Stooping, bending, or kneeling?
2. Standing for two hours
3. Walking a quarter mile?(400 metres)
4. Pushing or pulling a large object
5. Climbing 10 steps

Of medical conditions the respondents believed were responsible for their disabilities, they cited back or neck problems, and arthritis or rheumatism, most frequently.

Dr Thomas points out that the US researchers are concerned because this rise in disability has potentially far-reaching and long-term negative consequences for individuals and society as a whole.

Richard Sulzman, of the US National Institute of Aging, which sponsored the study, is quoted as saying:

‘If people have such difficulties in middle age, how can we expect that this age group—today’s baby boomers—will be able to take care of itself with advancing age? If it continues, this trend could have a significant effect on the need for long-term care in the future.’

Reference:

1Martin LG et al., Trends in disability and related chronic conditions among people ages 50 to 64, Health Affairs, 2010; 29:725–31.

For further information on the New Zealand Chiropractors’ Association visit www.chiropractic.org.nz.