Active boomers don't think about living will, health care proxy

Older adults are more active than ever before and a recent study shows how it impacts their feelings about end-of-life planning. The Associated Press-LifeGoesStrong.com survey found that most baby boomers don't have documents such as living wills largely because they feel healthy and fit.

The study, conducted between June 3 and 12, polled more than 1,400 adults, almost all of whom were born between 1946 and 1964. It found that 64 percent of those in that age group did not have a living will or health care proxy, The Associated Press reports.

Many experts say that living wills or a health care proxy are a good idea regardless of how active you are for a number of reasons. Though it may seem like an unnecessary precaution, having a plan in place can help reduce confusion and make decisions easier should a worst case scenario ever arise.

Still, some people like Sandy Morgan don't see the need. The 57-year-old Virginia resident began working part time after she retired and exercises regularly. Since she feels healthy and both her parents are healthy well into their 80s, she sees no need to dwell on it.

"I don't think of myself in terms of my age group," she told the AP. "I just feel like it's something I'll probably think about in my late 60s or 70s."

While they may not want to consider such things, given the large number of baby boomers it might be helpful if they do. According to USA Today, people born between 1946 and 1964 make up about 26 percent of the population, or about 78 million people, with California, Texas and Florida having the bulk of the generation.