Remember a few years back when researchers and other academics predicted that this would be the first generation in history where today's children will die sooner than their parents?
It's one of those sobering wake-up calls that swims around in the psyches of those who are even remotely health-conscious.
Well, "50 will be the new 75" has an equally sombre ring to it.
Harvard scientists predict that 42% of Americans will be overweight by 2050, leading to grave disabilities, premature death, and shorter lives for our kids. Not a good prognosis.
As frightening as the stats are concerning adult obesity, consider that childhood obesity has risen 4-fold from 1966-2004. The increased weight has been accompanied by increased incidences of issues that previously only affected adults.
Considering today's 10 year old will be 50 by 2050, it's ironic that nowadays we call 50 the "new 40".
Moreover, as someone who will actually be 75 in 2050 (God willing), I'm uncomfortable with the thought that statistically this may become the new life expectance for males.
How do we reverse this trend?The million dollar question to which there is no simple or one-dimensional answer. The change will be gradual, as this issue will only begin to be resolved by massive cultural shift. It begins in the home but doesn't end there. All influential entities need to be on board. It will take the education system, all levels of governments, big food companies, and individual will to tackle this problem.In essence, physical activity and healthy food need to be accessible, heavily promoted, guided and nurtured. The socioeconomically disadvantaged are especially in need of programs to give them healthy food and access to programs that promote activity.
Only by banding together and creating opportunities can we plant these seeds of change and help them grow.
What are your ideas for how to reverse this trend?
Source: Harvard Gazette, November 4th, 2010
Image credit: Las Valley 702
Well at least this would solve the social security problem.
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