AGING BABY BOOMERS STILL AIM TO HAVE FUN.

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Baby boomers won't let age or illness keep them from having fun. Renee Twibell, associate professor of nursing, Ball State University, Muncie, Ind., says the generation now entering its 50s expects to live not only longer, but more active lives. "Baby boomers as a whole can expect a longer life span. They want to live healthier, happier, more productive lives as they age, and trends show this will happen. Their ideal is to still be able to run a mini-marathon the day before dying."

Twibell is researching how the health care system can prepare to deal with the major illnesses aging boomers will face. "Cancer mortality should decrease markedly during the first half of the next century. The boomers are saying they know what predisposes us to cancer. They are looking at the research, making the right lifestyle choices, and seeking early detection."

One type of diabetes may be prevented with a new vaccine within 15 years, she indicates, while diet and exercise can prevent other forms of the disease. Also...