While Coloradans tend to be healthier than residents of other states, senior citizens are faring better than the state’s children and infants, according to a study by the Colorado Health Foundation.The nonprofit foundation’s 2007 “Health Report Card,” released Wednesday, found that based on 40 health indexes:
Colorado residents overall got a B-minus grade when compared with residents of other states on measures such as obesity, smoking and high blood pressure.
Infants and children both got a C-minus based on indicators such as health-insurance coverage, access to medical care, and vaccinations.Adolescents got a B-minus, adults received a B and senior citizens an A-minus grade.
The greater access to health insurance and ongoing medical care as state residents got older were among the elements that improved the health scores for adults and seniors, the study’s authors said.
Colorado residents 65 and older also scored high on exercise and immunization.
I don’t think the findings in this report will surprise anybody. Older generations are reaping the benefits of richer employer sponsored benefits. And most of them don’t even know how good they have it. In general, they assume the younger generations are afforded the same benefits.
These days, you’re lucky enough to have health insurance at your job. Forget about long-term or even short-term disability, a pension, and retirement benefits. Younger generations are making relatively lower take home pay even without those extra benefits. Then, they’re told to go get them on their own.
