Behavioral Determinants of Health Aging Revisited: An Update on the Good News for the Baby Boomer Generation

On October 15th, 2007, Kathleen Casey-Kirschling became the first Baby Boomer to ride the "silver tsunami" by applying for her social security benefits. Riding a wave is an appropriate analogy for Baby Boomers given the expectations they have for their later years. Now, just as it was in the original 2003 Behavioral Determinants article, the answer to the question, “Can this generation of Americans expect to achieve a satisfying, high- quality life as older adults?” is still a resounding yes. But now, there is greater clarity and more specific detail as to exactly what the Baby Boomer generation should, and can, be doing to insure that they have the quality of life as older adults that they have become accustomed to in their younger years. To that end, this article will examine the updated recommendations for physical activity and psychological elements associated with healthy aging.