Millennials health features have become a hot topic lately, especially after new research found that 22-to-38-year-olds are less healthy than Gen X was at the same age.
That might come as a surprise given millennials’ reputation for embracing wellness trends like yoga and meditation.
Yet, despite these positive habits, they’re also experiencing higher rates of asthma and allergies—suggesting a real puzzle when it comes to their overall wellbeing.
Cracking the Millennial Health Code
In a bid to understand the true attitudes and day-to-day realities of millennials in the UK, ANCON Medical conducted a broad survey that reveals a generation struggling to prioritize personal health. The findings are eye-opening:
- 18% of millennials admit they don’t know how to look after themselves properly, compared to just 4% of over-55s.
- 35% believe they’re less healthy than their parents.
- 22% don’t treat their own health as a priority.
- 27% feel too young for smoking or drinking to affect their wellbeing.
- 49% haven’t visited a doctor in the past five years.
These statistics paint a picture of a cohort facing unique challenges—and not all of it can be blamed on busier modern lifestyles.
Some millennials appear to be brushing off health concerns altogether, particularly when it comes to destructive habits like smoking and binge drinking.
Vices and Seasonal Pitfalls
Even with widespread knowledge about the dangers of smoking and heavy alcohol consumption, millennials seem to take fewer precautions. This is especially true around busy social seasons like Christmas:
- 27% say casual drinking often escalates into binge drinking.
- 49% of those who are casual smokers become regular smokers during the festive season, compared to just 13% of people aged 55+.
- 39% worry that their holiday smoking and drinking could harm their future health.
Food Choices and the Time Crunch
Eating well is another hurdle. Although the NHS advises that a balanced diet is crucial for good health, life pressures often derail the best of intentions. According to the survey:
- 18% eat more takeaway meals than home-cooked dishes.
- 18% don’t know how to cook a nutritious meal from scratch.
- 15% rely mostly on microwave meals.
Between hectic work schedules, social commitments, and the rising cost of living, many millennials either lack the time, motivation, or skills to develop healthier eating habits.
Mind-Body Connection
It’s impossible to separate physical health from mental wellbeing. According to the Mental Health Foundation, poor physical health can heighten the risk of mental health issues—and vice versa. Alarmingly, the survey shows:
- 38% suspect they’ve had undiagnosed anxiety or depression for years.
- 39% feel their work-life balance is taking a toll on both mental and physical health.
- 33% ignore persistent signs of depression because they’re “too busy.”
Unchecked mental health concerns can spiral into physical ailments, creating a vicious cycle that many millennials are only starting to acknowledge.
Long-Term Risks: Cancer and Pollution
As we age, lifestyle choices become ever more significant. While millennials still have time to shore up their wellbeing, the current trend spells trouble:
- 25% have ignored symptoms that could indicate serious conditions, due to heavy workloads.
- 26% have done nothing about healthier lifestyle habits—even if they have a family history of hereditary cancers.
- Just 16% perform recommended cancer checks on a regular basis.
Environmental factors, such as air quality, can also intensify these threats. Research shows living near busy roads stunts children’s lung development by up to 14% and increases the risk of lung cancer by 10%.
With so many millennials living and working in urban environments, exposure to pollution may be exacerbating respiratory problems and setting the stage for more serious conditions down the line.
Expert Perspective
Wesley Baker, CEO of ANCON Medical, says the mounting pressures on young people are taking a serious toll:
“The increased demands and stresses from work and the environment that young people currently face are undoubtedly impacting their health. The fact that many can’t prioritise basic healthcare is especially worrying. Catching illnesses early is one of the most effective ways to tackle them, yet we’re seeing millennials avoid doctor visits and make lifestyle choices that harm their wellbeing. You lay the foundations for your future health in your twenties and thirties—it’s never too early to start taking better care of yourself.”
The Takeaway
Millennials health features in the media often focus on the rise of trendy exercise classes and mindfulness apps. But as this research highlights, the reality is far more complex.
Between time pressures, poor diet, mental health struggles, and disregard for the damaging effects of smoking and drinking, millennials are juggling multiple risk factors that could impact their long-term wellbeing.
If you’re a millennial, take a moment to consider how these statistics resonate in your own life. The good news is that change is possible—small steps like booking a routine check-up, learning a new healthy recipe, or scheduling downtime can make all the difference. After all, investing in your health now is the surest way to reap the benefits later.