The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada is warning that rising obesity rates and inactivity among baby boomers could be threatening years of steady progress on heart health.

"It was shocking to find that the rates of obesity in baby boomers have soared by nearly 60 per cent and a staggering 52 per cent are inactive," Dr. Beth Abramson, foundation spokesperson and cardiologist told CTV.ca.

Yet 80 per cent still think they will enjoy a longer life expectancy than previous generations, the foundation reports in its annual report card on heart health.

Abramson adds that baby boomers, or those who are between 45 and 60, are less fit and more overweight than today's seniors.

For example, 30 per cent of baby boom respondents are obese, in contrast with 24 per cent of seniors.

Furthermore, 52 per cent of baby boomers surveyed lead a sedentary lifestyle, while 50 per cent of seniors are inactive.

Abramson says several factors could account for these contrasts.

"This baby boomer generation was one of the first generation used to having cars and modern technology and perhaps have led a relatively privileged life and perhaps are falsely reassured with access to good health care," she said.

If they don't take preventative steps, she warns, "baby boomers may be the first generation to turn back the clock and experience a decline in the quality of life."

According to the study, population estimates show the number of Canadians in their 60s will jump by 50 per cent over the next 10 years.

Even more worrisome, the study's authors note, about one-quarter of health care practitioners in Canada are baby boomers themselves, getting set to retire -- or possibly get sick themselves.

"Our heart health crunch may very well become a heart health crisis," Abramson said.

Still, there is some good news, Abramson said. Only 21 per cent of baby boomers are smokers these days versus 29 per cent a decade ago.

The report, which draws data from the Canadian Community Health Survey of 2003-04, is a follow-up to the foundation's first report card on the heart health of the baby boom generation 10  years ago.

According to the foundation, about 1.3 million or 21 per cent of Canada baby boomers have already been diagnosed with heart disease, stroke or high blood pressure.

The foundation is hoping this study will serve as a "call to action" not only to baby boomers but to the federal government.

The foundation is calling on Ottawa to:

• Deliver on the commitments made during the election campaign to support physical activity and healthy eating.
• Commit to further tax incentives that will encourage physical activity and healthy eating
• Ensure the recommendations from the Trans Fat Task Force that outlines ways to reduce processed trans fats in Canadian foods are implemented