'Healthy' habits? It's all a matter of perspective
Gen X may be better about getting physical exercise on a regular basis, but millennials know the value of a good night's sleep.
Health and wellness is important to Americans surveyed by Life Extension, a vitamin and supplement provider. The company surveyed over 1,000 adults, asking at what age should health become a priority.
Over half of respondents agreed that health should always be top of mind, but the average age when people actually started to develop healthy habits was around 32, the study found. Most respondents have a fairly measured view of how they’ve prioritized their health. Between 53% and 57% of the boomer, Gen X and millennial respondents surveyed acknowledged that health has only been “somewhat” of a priority.
Related: As challenges pile up, Americans’ ability to bounce back falls
“Different generations may have different perspectives on aging, but respondents of all ages were interested in embracing behaviors that would contribute to a richer, longer life. As more than half of Americans told us, there’s no specific age where taking care of yourself and focusing on your health and wellness should become a priority,” according to Life Extension.
Similar shares of the population claimed they were “eating healthy” at least once a week: 60% and 61% of millennials and boomers, respectively, and 52% of Gen X. However, looking at more specific eating behaviors shows that different age groups look at healthy food differently.
For example, boomers were more likely to prioritize eating enough fiber, and limiting sugar and red meat. Millennials were more likely to focus on limiting portion sizes and dairy intake, and eating vegetarian or vegan.
Ever the forgotten generation, Gen X lagged their older and younger counterparts in all categories except one — exercise.
Other notable findings:
- 66% of respondents say they ask their doctor when they have questions about aging, except millennials, who were more likely to turn to the internet.
- Millennials were also more likely than other generations to rely on their social networks, including family, friends and spouses when they had questions about aging.
- Gen X was the generation most likely to keep their questions to themselves (12%, compared to 8% and 7% of boomers and millennials).
Read more: