More than a third of adults in wealthier countries suffer from chronic illnesses before the age of 50, according to a study by the University College London. The study, which tracked the health of 17,196 Britons born in the same week in 1970, found that the health of Generation X has deteriorated compared to the previous Baby Boomer generation. The participants were regularly surveyed and examined, with the latest data collected between 2016 and 2018 when they were between 46 and 48 years old. The study found that over a third of the participants suffered from at least one chronic illness, with 34% experiencing multiple chronic health problems.
The most common chronic health problems were risky alcohol consumption, regular back pain, mental health issues, high blood pressure, asthma or bronchitis, arthritis, and diabetes. Many participants experienced multiple chronic health problems, with high blood pressure and mental health issues being the most common combination. The study also found that the reasons for later health problems were often linked to birth weight, cognitive abilities, and childhood obesity. Additionally, the social background of the participants’ parents strongly influenced their later health, with adults from the poorest families having a significantly higher risk of developing chronic health problems in middle age.
Overall, the study highlights the worsening health of Generation X compared to previous generations. The findings suggest that early intervention and preventative measures are necessary to address the growing burden of chronic illnesses. The study’s authors emphasize the importance of addressing social inequalities and improving access to healthcare to reduce the risk of chronic illnesses in middle age.
