Canada's baby boomers think they're pretty healthy, but most are doomed to experience a decade of sickness before they die, a new report suggests.
While 80% of boomers think their doctors would rate them as healthy, their lifestyle habits show otherwise, according to the Heart and Stroke Foundation's annual Reality Check report.
The vast majority of Canadian boomers (85%) reported not eating enough fruits and vegetables, just over 40% aren't getting enough exercise, 21% smoke and 11% drink booze excessively.
Despite this, 55% say they aren't worried about their future health, even though many have big plans for the future.
While Canadians continue to live longer, the report says there's a 10-year gap between how long we live and how long we live in health.
That gap is bound to grow if boomers don't make some changes, according to the report.
"The lifestyle choices that Canadian boomers are making directly contribute to living the last 10 years of their lives in sickness. This should cause boomers a lot of concern," Heart and Stroke Foundation spokeswoman Dr. Beth Abramson said.
"The good news is that if lifestyle changes are made now, many Canadians can considerably reduce the effects of heart disease and stroke. It is possible for us to take charge of our heart health, reduce hospitalizations and immobility, significantly improving the quality of our lives."
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