Australian Baby Boomers Research Articles

Comparison of Four Dietary Pattern Indices in Australian Baby Boomers: Findings from the Busselton Healthy Ageing Study.

The assessment of dietary patterns comprehensively represents the totality of the diet, an important risk factor for many chronic diseases. This study aimed to characterise and compare four dietary pattern indices in middle-aged Australian adults. In 3458 participants (55% female) from the Busselton Healthy Ageing Study (Phase Two), a validated food frequency questionnaire was used to capture dietary data between 2016 and 2022. Four dietary patterns [Australian Dietary Guideline Index 2013 (DGI-2013); the Mediterranean Diet Index (MedDiet); the Literature-based Mediterranean Diet Index (Lit-MedDiet); and the EAT-Lancet Index], were calculated and compared by measuring total and sub-component scores, and concordance (𝜌c). Cross-sectional associations between the dietary indices and demographic, lifestyle, and medical conditions were modelled with linear regression and restricted cubic splines. Participants had the highest standardised scores for the DGI-2013 followed by the EAT-Lancet Index and the MedDiet, with the lowest standardised scores observed for the Lit-MedDiet. The DGI-2013 had the lowest agreement with the other scores (𝜌c ≤ 0.47). These findings indicate that the diets included in this Australian cohort align more closely with the Australian Dietary Guidelines than with the other international dietary patterns, likely due to the wide variation of individual food group weightings in the construction of these indices.

Prevalence and patterns of multimorbidity in Australian baby boomers: the Busselton healthy ageing study

Background and objectiveChronic medical conditions accumulate within individuals with age. However, knowledge concerning the trends, patterns and determinants of multimorbidity remains limited. This study assessed the prevalence and patterns of multimorbidity using extensive individual phenotyping in a general population of Australian middle-aged adults.MethodsParticipants (n = 5029, 55% female), born between 1946 and 1964 and attending the cross-sectional phase of the Busselton Healthy Ageing Study (BHAS) between 2010 and 2015, were studied. Prevalence of 21 chronic conditions was estimated using clinical measurement, validated instrument scores and/or self-reported doctor-diagnosis. Non-random patterns of multimorbidity were explored using observed/expected (O/E) prevalence ratios and latent class analysis (LCA). Variables associated with numbers of conditions and class of multimorbidity were investigated.ResultsThe individual prevalence of 21 chronic conditions ranged from 2 to 54% and multimorbidity was common with 73% of the cohort having 2 or more chronic conditions. (mean ± SD 2.75 ± 1.84, median = 2.00, range 0–13). The prevalence of multimorbidity increased with age, obesity, physical inactivity, tobacco smoking and family history of asthma, diabetes, myocardial infarct or cancer. There were 13 pairs and 27 triplets of conditions identified with a prevalence > 1.5% and O/E > 1.5. Of the triplets, arthritis (> 50%), bowel disease (> 33%) and depression-anxiety (> 33%) were observed most commonly. LCA modelling identified 4 statistically and clinically distinct classes of multimorbidity labelled as: 1) “Healthy” (70%) with average of 1.95 conditions; 2) “Respiratory and Atopy” (11%, 3.65 conditions); 3) “Non-cardiometabolic” (14%, 4.77 conditions), and 4) “Cardiometabolic” (5%, 6.32 conditions). Predictors of multimorbidity class membership differed between classes and differed from predictors of number of co-occurring conditions.ConclusionMultimorbidity is common among middle-aged adults from a general population. Some conditions associated with ageing such as arthritis, bowel disease and depression-anxiety co-occur in clinically distinct patterns and at higher prevalence than expected by chance. These findings may inform further studies into shared biological and environmental causes of co-occurring conditions of ageing. Recognition of distinct patterns of multimorbidity may aid in a holistic approach to care management in individuals presenting with multiple chronic conditions, while also guiding health resource allocation in ageing populations.

Identifying baby boomer service expectations for future aged care community services in Australia.

Baby Boomers are ageing, yet little is known as to what their expectations are likely to be for the community health service sector or what the challenges this cohort might create. Interviews were conducted with 11 experienced Australian baby boomer carers to identify the key characteristics that might influence their future community aged care service expectations. Qualitative analysis of the data revealed five characteristics that could influence participant expectations for future services: Independent; Astute; Resourceful; Forthright and Exacting. As octogenarians this group plan to independently self-determine what support services they receive and from whom without any outside influence, using their well-developed skills and knowledge, by drawing on their own resourcefulness. They will most likely create significant pressure for industry change. To accommodate this group, a new service industry model will most likely be needed. One that empowers older people to completely self-manage and take control of their services as true consumers rather than a model, which designates older people as passive recipients of provider offered and driven services. For this to be achieved, a considerable philosophical shift is required on how ageing is viewed by society, including health professionals and government.

Relationship between visceral adipose tissue and bone mineral density in Australian baby boomers.

Increased body mass is associated with higher bone mineral density (BMD), but higher visceral adipose tissue (VAT) may have a negative impact on bone health. In the Busselton Healthy Ageing Study, we examined associations between VAT mass and BMD in 4865 participants (2642 females) aged 45-70 years. VAT mass and BMD of whole body, total hip, femoral neck and lumbar spine were measured using DXA. VAT mass was examined as a continuous variable and in quartiles using sex-specific cut-offs. The mean age was 58.0 ± 5.8 years. Males had significantly higher BMI (28.3 ± 3.7 vs 27.5 ± 4.9 kg/m2) and VAT mass (1675 ± 878 vs 882 ± 600 g) than females (both P < 0.001). In males, after adjustment for age, body mass, height and lifestyle factors, VAT mass negatively associated with total body, total hip and femoral neck BMD (β = - 0.153 to - 0.293, all P < 0.001). Males in the highest quartile of VAT mass (> 2200 g) had significantly lower BMD at all three sites than those in lower quartiles, with estimated BMD differences of 2.3-5.7% (all P < 0.05). In females, VAT mass negatively associated with total body, femoral neck and lumbar spine BMD (β = - 0.067 to - 0.178, all P < 0.05) and those in the highest quartile (> 1250 g) had significantly lower total body BMD than other quartiles (by 1.7-3.7%, all P < 0.05). In middle-aged Australians, after covariate adjustment, higher DXA-derived VAT mass is associated with reduced bone density, suggesting that excess visceral fat may be deleterious to bone, especially in males.

University education: a potential health promotion intervention for Australian baby boomers

ABSTRACTIt is forecast that ageing baby boomers will have a substantial impact on future health expenditure. The primary aim of this study is to explore the perceived health benefits of later life university study for baby boomers. An online survey of Australian baby boomers examined their beliefs regarding the health benefits of studying at university in later life and related barriers. Data from 261 respondents revealed the main benefits to be gained from later life university study were improved critical thinking and decision-making skills. The main motivators were personal fulfilment and mental or intellectual stimulation, and financial cost the most important barrier. The results from this study suggest that university study in later life should be considered as a health promotion intervention for older adults seeking mental/intellectual stimulation. Enhancement of cognitive function through such interventions may have significant positive impacts on health outcomes across short, medium and long-term timeframes.

Baby boomers’ development of resources and strategies to engage as later life university students

ABSTRACTTo determine the resources baby boomers use or develop to strategise successful engagement as later life university students, informal semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 Australian baby boomers. The phenomenological data was analysed, themes identified and aligned with the volition phase stages of the adapted Health Action Process Approach model. Interviewees displayed varying levels of self-efficacy and coping strategies. Having a sense of purpose and involvement in the social environment of a university appears to create positive functioning that can contribute to healthy ageing and well-being. The findings from this study could assist university administrators and policy makers to develop strategies to attract and support this niche sector of university students.

Let me tell you about healthy ageing and about my quality of life: listening to the baby boomer voice

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine how baby boomers define healthy ageing and quality of life, and if late life university study could have a beneficial impact for future health-promoting initiatives.Design/methodology/approachQualitative data were collected from Australian baby boomers. Data were inductively categorised to identify and report emergent themes.FindingsThe majority of respondents believed healthy ageing meant being mentally and physically active, with later life university study contributing to mental health, which improves their quality of life.Social implicationsLater life university study can have positive health outcomes for baby boomers and may contribute to the quality of their life.Originality/valueThis study suggests that baby boomers are quite clear about how they define healthy ageing and quality of life: maintaining good health and retaining their independence. Some baby boomers stated that intellectual stimulation was critical for their overall health and wellbeing. Baby boomers identified as belonging to this group engagement in an educational (i.e. university) programme could be considered as a health-promoting intervention.

Health and welfare profile of Australian baby boomers who live in rented accommodation – implications for the future

ABSTRACTBaby boomers who rent are often overlooked as an important sub-group. We aimed to assess the chronic conditions, risk factors, socio-economic factors and other health-related factors associated with renting in private or public housing. Data from telephone interviews conducted each month in South Australia between 2010 and 2015 were combined. Prevalence estimates were assessed for each risk factor and chronic condition by housing status. The association between housing status and variables of interest were analysed using logistic regression models adjusting for multiple covariates (age, gender, income, smoking, physical activity, area and year of data collection). Overall, 17.4 per cent of the 16,687 baby boomers interviewed were renting, either privately or using government-subsided housing. The health profile of renters (both private and public) was poorer overall, with renters more likely to have all of the chronic conditions and ten risk factors assessed. For public renters the relationships were maintained even after controlling for socio-economic and risk factor variables for all chronic diseases except osteoporosis. This research has provided empirical evidence of the considerable differences in health, socio-economic indicators and risk factors between baby boomers who rent and those who own, or are buying, their own homes.

Which online format is most effective for assisting Baby Boomers to complete advance directives? A randomised controlled trial of email prompting versus online education module

BackgroundCompletion of Advance Directives (ADs), being financial and healthcare proxy or instructional documents, is relatively uncommon in Australia. Efforts to increase completion rates include online education and prompting which past literature suggests may be effective. The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to assess computer-based online AD information and email prompting for facilitating completion of ADs by Australian Baby Boomers (b.1946–1965) as well as factors which may impede or assist completion of these documents by this generation when using the online environment.MethodsTwo hundred eighty-two men and women aged 49–68 years at the time of the trial were randomly assigned to one of 3 intervention groups: education module only; email prompt only; email prompt and education module; and a control group with no education module and no email prompt. The randomized controlled trial was undertaken in participants’ location of choice. Randomization and allocation to trial group were carried out by a central computer system. The primary analysis was based on a final total of 189 participants who completed the trial (n = 52 education module only; n = 44 email prompt only; n = 46 email prompt and education module; and n = 47 control). The primary outcome was the number of individuals in any group completing any of the 4 legal ADs in South Australia within 12 months or less from entry into the trial. Frequency analysis was conducted on secondary outcomes such as reasons for non-completion.ResultsMean follow-up post-intervention at 12 months showed that 7% of overall participants completed one or more of the 4 legal ADs but without significant difference between groups (delta = 1%, p = .48 Prompt/Non-Prompt groups, delta = 5%, p = .44 education/non-education groups). Reasons offered for non-completion were too busy (26%) and/or it wasn’t the right time (21%).ConclusionOur results suggest that neither email prompting nor provision of additional educational material online were sufficient to significantly impact AD completion rates for this generational cohort. Research with this cohort over longer periods of time exploring online preferences for engagement with ADs as they age may provide better insight into using this environment for ADs with this group.Trial RegistrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12616000425493.

Carer Characteristics and Health, Wellbeing and Employment Outcomes of Older Australian Baby Boomers.

Supporting caregivers and enabling continued workforce participation are central strategies in Australia's response to an ageing population, however these strategies have potential disadvantages for carers, particularly women, including reduced workforce participation and retirement income, and poorer health status. This paper explores the nexus between paid work and caregiving for Australia's baby boomer cohort as this group faces unprecedented pressures to manage paid work alongside caring longer and more intensively for family members, including grandchildren. A sample of 1261 men and women aged 60 to 64 completed the 2011-12 Life Histories and Health survey, a sub-study of the New South Wales 45 and Up Study. The survey collected data on sociodemographic, psychosocial, life history and health-related variables including caregiving and employment status. Around a third (32.5%) of the sample (52.2% female) were involved in some type of caregiving at the time. Compared to non-carers, carers reported lower workforce participation (45.8% versus 54.7% for non-carers) as well as poorer health, more mobility difficulties, lower quality of life and lower self-rated SES. Carers who also cared for grandchildren were more likely to be in part-time or no paid work compared to other carers. Working carers tended to be more highly educated, have fewer mobility difficulties, better self-rated health and higher SES than non-working carers. Male carers were more likely than female carers to be in full-time or no paid work. Results indicate that reduced workforce participation and health status of caregivers varies by gender and type of caregiving. Policy reforms are recommended to mitigate these adverse consequences on those providing care, their families, employers and the community.

Pathways to Well-Being in Later Life: Socioeconomic and Health Determinants Across the Life Course of Australian Baby Boomers.

In many countries like Australia and the United States, baby boomers are referred to as the ‘lucky cohort’, yet there has been little research on the origins and extent of inequalities within this cohort. This study uses path analysis to investigate direct and indirect effects of childhood and adult socioeconomic status and health on two subjective well-being measures: quality of life and life satisfaction. Retrospective life course data were obtained for 1,261 people aged 60 to 64 in the 2011–12 Life Histories and Health survey, a sub-study of the Australian 45 and Up Study. Supporting an accumulation model, the number of negative childhood and adult exposures were inversely related to both types of well-being. Consistent with a critical period model, childhood exposures had small but significant effects on subjective well-being and were relatively more important for quality of life than for life satisfaction. However, these childhood effects were largely indirect and significantly mediated by more proximal adult exposures, providing support for a pathway model. A key implication of this research is that the critical period for later life well-being is significant in adulthood rather than childhood, suggesting that there may be key opportunities for improving individuals’ later life well-being far beyond the early, formative years. This research highlights the importance of understanding how earlier life exposures impact experiences in later life, and investing in health and socioeconomic opportunities to reduce inequalities across all stages of life.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s12062-015-9132-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Age, Period, and Cohort Effects on Migration of the Baby Boomers in Australia

The distinctive migration behaviour of the baby boom generation is commonly attributed to cohort size effects, but evidence to date has been drawn primarily from the US context. This paper focuses on inter-cohort differences in the intensity and pattern of internal migration in Australia with particular attention to the Australian baby boomer generation as it has moved through the life course. A series of generalised linear models are fitted to migration flows to disentangle the effects of age, period, and birth cohort. The results demonstrate that age exerts the largest effect on migration intensity, with cohort effects playing a secondary role, while the effects of period are more subtle. In contrast of the US, cohort effects are not restricted to the baby boom but show a continuous upwards trend that plateaued briefly as the later baby boomers, born in the early 1960s, entered the labour force during rising unemployment in the 1980s. This divergence is traced to a much smaller demographic bulge created by the baby boom in Australia that was substantially enlarged by overseas migration in the 1960s. The findings underline the context-specific nature of mobility behaviour.

The influence of ageing on baby boomers' not so straight sexualities

This article draws on data from an internet survey of 67 Australian baby boomers, now in their 50s and 60s, that explores the influence of ageing on their sexual expression. Utilizing a form of narrative analysis, express attention is given to what the data reveal about the 25 baby boomers (37.5% of the sample) who consider their sexual orientations and preferences to be not exclusively heterosexual or homosexual. The findings indicate that ageing is attributed considerable and favourable importance by this non-exclusive subset of baby boomers in the reappraisal of their sexual orientations or preferences.

State of Inertia: Psychological Preparation of Single Australian and UK Baby Boomer Women for Retirement Housing Change

The transition into retirement is an important life phase that presents significant challenges in respect to well-being, lifestyle, and consumption choices. This article examines the consumption context of housing after retirement, in particular for the low-resourced cohort of single baby boomer women. Utilizing an extended Theory of Planned Behavior model, we examine the relationship between intention and actual behavior, in this case financial advice seeking, as an important component of the psychological preparedness of single female baby boomer women. Our analysis showed both Australian and UK single baby boomer women display different behaviors in terms of seeking advice and their mental preparedness to adjust to a change in their living arrangements. The findings are discussed in terms of their implications for policy and further research.

The Generation Effect

An understanding of generational shifts in tourist behavior facilitates the effective prediction and accommodation of future tourism trends. Such predictions are important if the Asia-Pacific region is to reach its tourism potential. This study investigates the domestic travel motivations of 632 Australian Baby Boomer, Generation X, and Generation Y travelers to uncover each generational cohort’s travel mindset. Specifically, it considers how the sociohistorical environment when its members “came of age” during adolescence (i.e., thus creating a generation), create a unique lifelong perspective that influences both current and future tourist behavior. Although the survey results show that the travel decision-making process is similar across cohorts, model comparisons reveal generational differences. This study advances the theoretical understanding of the implications of generational perspectives on future travel behavior and provides foresight into demand factors that will drive future travel growth in the Asia-Pacific region and particularly growth in domestic leisure travel by Australians.

Australian baby boomers switched to more environment friendly modes of transport during the global financial crisis

The global financial crisis (GFC) in 2008 rocked economies around the world. Several intermediate outcomes of the GFC included loss of jobs and reduced income. Relatively little research has, however, examined the impacts of the GFC on individual level travel behaviour change. To address this shortcoming, HABITAT panel data were employed to estimate a multinomial logit model to examine mode switching behaviour between 2007 and 2009 of a baby boomers cohort in Brisbane, Australia—a city within a developed country that has been on many metrics the least affected by the GFC. In addition, a Poisson regression model was estimated to model the number of trips made by individuals in 2007, 2008, and 2009. The South East Queensland travel survey datasets were used to develop this model. Four linear regression models were estimated to assess the effects of the GFC on time allocated to travel during a day: one for each of the three travel modes including public transport, active transport, less environmentally friendly transport; and an overall travel time model irrespective of mode. The results reveal that the baby boomers switched to more environmentally friendly travel modes during the GFC.

Are Baby Boomers Healthier than Generation X? A Profile of Australia’s Working Generations Using National Health Survey Data

BackgroundTo determine differences in sociodemographic and health related characteristics of Australian Baby Boomers and Generation X at the same relative age.MethodsThe 1989/90 National Health Survey (NHS) for Boomers (1946–1965) and the 2007/08 NHS for Generation Xers (1966–1980) was used to compare the cohorts at the same age of 25–44 years. Generational differences for males and females in education, employment, smoking, physical activity, Body Mass Index (BMI), self-rated health, and diabetes were determined using Z tests. Prevalence estimates and p-values are reported. Logistic regression models examining overweight/obesity (BMI≥25) and diabetes prevalence as the dependent variables, with generation as the independent variable were adjusted for sex, age, education, physical activity, smoking and BMI(diabetes model only). Adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals are reported.ResultsAt the same age, tertiary educational attainment was higher among Generation X males (27.6% vs. 15.2% p<0.001) and females (30.0% vs. 10.6% p<0.001). Boomer females had a higher rate of unemployment (5.6% vs. 2.5% p<0.001). Boomer males and females had a higher prevalence of “excellent” self-reported health (35.9% vs. 21.8% p<0.001; 36.3% vs. 25.1% p<0.001) and smoking (36.3% vs. 30.4% p<0.001; 28.3% vs. 22.3% p<0.001). Generation X males (18.3% vs. 9.4% p<0.001) and females (12.7% vs. 10.4% p = 0.015) demonstrated a higher prevalence of obesity (BMI>30). There were no differences in physical activity. Modelling indicated that Generation X were more likely than Boomers to be overweight/obese (OR:2.09, 1.77–2.46) and have diabetes (OR:1.79, 1.47–2.18).ConclusionSelf-rated health has deteriorated while obesity and diabetes prevalence has increased. This may impact workforce participation and health care utilization in the future.

Housing type, location of residence and health status in Australian baby boomers: Results from the Australian Baby Boomer (ABBA) Study

Baby Boomers are working and living longer than their pre-war counterparts, and are more likely to live in high density urban housing. This paper examines the relationship between housing type, working status and location of residence on health status in Baby Boomers. We investigated location of residence and housing type in 1009 participants of the Ageing Baby Boomers in Australia (ABBA) Study to identify any predictors of, or correlations between, these variables and health status. Current workers were less likely to report depression than retirees. We found a significantly higher rate of diabetes, obesity and hypertension in retirees than in current workers however rates of obesity, diabetes and hypertension were higher than predicted in current workers. The rates of chronic disease are higher than previous estimates and provide evidence to inform health promotion programs designed to increase physical activity and improve eating habits in baby boomers.

Australian Baby Boomers Face Retirement During the Global Financial Crisis

This paper examines the impact in Australia of the global financial crisis on the baby boom cohort approaching later life. Data from national focus groups of people aged 50 to 64 years (N = 73), conducted in late 2008, found widespread but variable concern and uncertainty concerning work and retirement plans and experiences. A national survey (N = 1,009) of those aged 50 to 64 years in mid-2009 reported lower levels of financial satisfaction compared with other life domains; many planned to postpone retirement. Findings are interpreted in the context of policies and markets that differed significantly from those in the United States, notwithstanding the global nature of the financial crisis.

Australian baby boomers retiring ‘early’: Understanding the benefits of retirement preparation for involuntary and voluntary retirees

The first of the baby boomers have reached retirement age, but some have retired ‘early’ with varying degrees of personal choice. Preparation for retirement can lead to well-being in later life, but few studies have considered the preparations of involuntary retirees or the pathways that link their preparations with retirement outcomes. This research draws on a sample of 304 retirees from the Ageing Baby Boomers in Australia Study (2009) to examine how preparedness for retirement relates to voluntary and involuntary retirees' life satisfaction and how this relationship is explained by psychological, activity-based, and economic theories. Preparedness predicted life satisfaction for voluntary and involuntary retirees and each of theoretical pathways was supported. Although those retiring involuntarily were less prepared than voluntary retirees, their preparatory behaviours were still associated with life satisfaction. These results suggest that retirement policy and planning initiatives should aim to facilitate a holistic approach to retirement planning for future retirees, particularly those facing an early and unexpected retirement.