The latest annual health rankings from the United Health Foundation say the next generation of senior citizens will have to deal with sharp increases in the rate of obesity and diabetes. Ohio is expected to follow that trend.
The United Health Foundation’s America’s Health Rankings Senior Report ranks middle-aged Ohioans 38th among all states in terms of overall health.
The report says Ohioans between the ages of 50 and 64 have seen a 31 percent increase in obesity rates over the last 15 years, and an 83 percent increase in the prevalence of diabetes.
Jane Acri from the Central Ohio Agency on Aging says chronic health problems in soon-to-be seniors could be compounded by the difficulty of getting people to self-manage those conditions.
“Whether it’s our programs, or an arthritis self-management program, or a diabetes self-management program. They’ve been around for along time, and I know that we all struggle for participation,” Acri says.
There are some positives in the new health rankings, including a lower smoking rate and increased access to medication.
