Can it be true? Can the generation that has arguably lived with the greatest improvement in living standards of the modern age actually be weaker than its worked-to-the-bone predecessor? If this research is correct, and baby boomers are indeed less healthy than their parents, it suggests a few interesting investing themes for Fools.

Do we bet on the facilitators of the chubbed up, sit-on-your-duff, drive-everywhere, sedentary lifestyle: McDonalds (NYSE:MCD), GM (NYSE:GM), and Beazer Homes (NYSE:BZH)? Or do we bet on the backlash and go with something like Whole Foods Markets (NYSE:WFMI) or Life Time Fitness (NYSE:LTM)?

Either way, it looks like the health-care field will continue to rake in a supersized share of our national wealth. I think the likes of Cardinal Health (NYSE:CAH) and UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH) are among the most likely to live long and prosper.

Comments? Bring them here.

Whole Foods Market is a selection of Motley Fool Stock Advisor. UnitedHealth is a selection of Stock Advisor and Inside Value. You can try any of our premium newsletter services risk-free, for 30 days.

At the time of publication, Seth Jayson had no positions in any company mentioned here, and he was thinking it's time to start pedaling the 13 miles to the office each day to work off those muffin tops. See his latest blog commentary here. View his stock holdings and Fool profile here. Fool rules are here.