Study: Rise in Obesity Among Seniors May Negate Other Health Gains

Although Americans are smoking less, getting more health screenings, and trying to exercise more, this progress could be cancelled out due to the rapid increase in the rate of obesity, according to a report from the AARP.

Between 1982 and 1999, obesity rates have almost doubled for people over age 50, now accounting for 26.7 percent of that age group,according to the report titled "Beyond 50: A Report to the Nation on Trends in Health Security."

"Americans age 50+ have the chance to capitalize on wonderful advances in medical care and public health. But they need a chain of dominoes to fall right -- initial good health, adequate health care coverage, access to quality care, and a system that encourages informed decision-making," said John Rother, AARP Policy and Strategy Director. "Missing one of these dominoes puts a person's -- and a generation's -- whole heath security at risk."

At age 50, Americans can expect to live another 30 years, almost nine years longer than expected in 1900, according to the report. The writers stress that health and long-term care systems must emphasize improved quality of life and the need for people to be active and function independently -- not just live longer.

Other sources: AARP