Last Updated on September 10, 2025 by Karl Thompson
Increases in many illnesses and ailments are often attributed to our longer lifespans. The older we are, the more likely we are to suffer from degenerative diseases. So, as life expectancy rises, the number of people with conditions like arthritis, cancer, and heart disease also grows.
However, a new study has found that today’s older people are simply less healthy than those in earlier generations. This research was published in 2024 by UCL’s Center for Longitudinal Studies.
Data analysis of more than 100,000 people across seven generations revealed that those born in the late 1940s and 1950s were about 150% more likely to suffer from cancer, lung disease, and heart problems in their 50s and 60s compared to those born before the Second World War at the same age.
Older people today are also equally or more likely to struggle with basic tasks like walking short distances. Those born after 1945 face a higher risk of chronic illness and disability than their predecessors.
Gen X is more likely to be obese, have diabetes, and experience poor mental health compared to baby boomers.
Laura Gimeno of UCL, one of the researchers involved in this study, notes that this reflects a generational health decline.
The Generational Health Decline: Causes and Consequences
This study reminds us that the ageing population is not inherently problematic. The real issue is the decline in public health across all ages. Older people 50 years ago were healthier than older people today.
This suggests that there are social policy interventions we could implement to improve the health of older adults.
While I’m not certain what these specific measures might be, stricter regulations on the fast food and junk food industries, improved working conditions, and expanded mental health support services could be effective first steps.
Ageing does not have to come with as many health-related issues as it currently does. But to address this, we must collectively take action. Without intervention, an ageing population will require more resources for care due to poorer health outcomes.
And beyond practical considerations, it’s simply better for everyone to live healthy lives for as long as possible!
Relevance to A-level sociology
This material is relevant to the families and households module. It suggests that an ageing population is not an inherent problem.
It is also a good example of a longitudinal study as it compares data over time from different cohorts.
Sources
Cohort Differences in Physical Health and Disability in the United States and Europe; Laura Gimeno, MPhil, Alice Goisis, PhD, Jennifer B Dowd, PhD , George B Ploubidis, PhD; The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, Volume 79, Issue 8, August 2024.