Generational differences shape how we approach wellness today. From Gen Z’s mindful breathing and savvy screen use, to Baby Boomers’ affinity for healthy fats and fine wine, each age group showcases distinct lifestyles. Millennials often find themselves in a haze of oat milk and burnout, trying to navigate their own wellness dilemmas.
This article explores which generation truly excels in healthy living, drawing on expert insights, statistical data, and a dash of light-hearted generational stereotypes to reveal who is living their best life.
Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964)
How to identify:
Once known as the original wellness rebels who indulged freely, Baby Boomers are now focused on health with engaging activities such as daily walks and monitoring cholesterol levels. This generation, many of whom are retired, often finds themselves with more time and the financial means to invest in their health.
Favorite dishes and food trends:
This generation, fondly referred to as the meat-and-two-veg crowd, appreciates traditional dishes including butter-based recipes and indulgent desserts. They grew up as convenience foods emerged but have largely returned to preparing meals from scratch, enjoying olive oil and the occasional upscale grocery visit, all while taking their supplements seriously.
Healthy habits:
Having witnessed rapid advancements in public health advice, Baby Boomers may not frequent trendy workout studios, yet they remain quite active through gardening, swimming, yoga, and golf. There is a notable interest in walking for fitness, even as alcohol consumption trends high within the group, having earned them the label of the “booziest generation.” Despite many quitting smoking, the impacts linger, leading to some chronic health issues.
What the data says:
This generation is living longer than any other, but that doesn’t necessarily equate to better health. Research from UCL indicates Baby Boomers are significantly more prone to conditions like cancer and heart diseases compared to prior generations. According to the NHS, a staggering 71 percent of Baby Boomers are classified as overweight or obese, facing high rates of cardiovascular disease and type-2 diabetes.
Though they tend to report lower instances of severe anxiety compared to younger generations, many are less inclined to seek help for such challenges.
How we live:
Jacqueline Hooton, a women’s health coach and author of Strong: The Definitive Guide to Active Ageing, highlights, “Fitness has been misrepresented as a means to achieve a certain body type. I aim to help women focus on health to enhance their longevity.” She adds, “The key to health in old age begins with how we manage our well-being in midlife.”
“As we age, importance must be placed on strength, flexibility, and overall fitness to maintain independence and happiness,” she emphasizes. “Many women express their desire to remain active and healthy for their families.”
Generation X (born 1965-1980)
How to identify:
Often the unsung heroes, Generation X deftly balance work, family responsibilities, and caring for aging parents. Busy schedules may leave limited time for wellness trends, but they remain health-conscious. This group pioneered gym memberships and health food trends, becoming trendsetters for their era.
Favorite dishes and food trends:
Generation X saw the emergence of stir-fries, ready-made meals, and popular diets like the 5:2 method. They were early adopters of low-fat everything and often stock their pantries with cereals, healthy snacks, and kitchen gadgets like Nutribullets, although they might forget they own some. Less inclined toward trendy items like fermented foods, they may lean toward air fryers and convenience.
Healthy habits:
Known as the original cardio enthusiasts, Gen X embraced step aerobics and spinning classes. They tend to follow a philosophy of moderation, though high-stress levels—stemming from work and family dynamics—may hinder their sleep. Nonetheless, they are proactive about midlife health and wellness.
What the data says:
A study indicates that about 34% of Gen X individuals have long-term physical or mental health challenges that impact daily life. Another report reveals that nearly 69% of this generation rates their stress levels as moderate to extreme, predominantly linked to financial and familial pressures.
However, they also showcase a willingness to change—some have successfully transitioned from the Couch to 5k running program, embracing fitness with newfound enthusiasm.
How we live:
According to Liberty Mills, public health speaker and author of 360 Fertility, the narrative around health often shifts with age. She notes: “In my younger years, I prioritized everyone else’s needs above my own. But now, I understand the importance of self-care and setting boundaries.” Liberty emphasizes that true wellness isn’t about perfection, but about balance and comfort.
Millennials (born 1981-1995)
How to identify:
Often referred to as wellness maximalists, Millennials are known for tracking their sleep, investing in trendy health products, and relying on mindfulness apps. However, beneath this wellness exterior lies a struggle with anxiety and a quest for balance.
Favorite dishes and food trends:
Millennials are credited with popularizing brunch culture. From avocado toast to grain bowls, they lead the plant-based movement, experimenting with ingredients like oat milk and jackfruit. While some have embraced intuitive eating, others are caught in the cycle of tracking their diet meticulously through apps.
Healthy habits:
Structured exercise routines dominate, encompassing platforms like Peloton and HIIT classes. Wellness practices such as therapy, retreats, and detoxes have gained traction, yet they continue to wrestle with sleep deprivation and excessive screen time.
What the data says:
This generation notably coined the term “burnout.” A recent report highlighted that Millennials experience it more than any other age group. Conversely, nearly 90% deem work-life balance essential—contrasting sharply with the work-centric emphasis common among Baby Boomers—and they consistently allocate a significant portion of their budgets toward health and fitness.
How we live:
Michaella Mazzoni, a registered nutritionist in Cambridge, shares, “Having multiple health challenges led me to pursue nutrition after years of feeling marginalized by the healthcare system. My millennial clients now seek more than generic guidance; they are investing in their health through holistic approaches and functional testing.”
“We’re seeing a shift in how they perceive medicine. While some viewed holistic health as incompatible with medication, it’s now about blending both for a sustainable and fulfilling approach to wellness.”
Generation Z (born 1996-2010)
How to identify:
Gen Z stands out as the sober-curious, eco-conscious generation, deeply engaged with their mental health and authenticity. Growing up with the internet, they gravitate toward plant-based diets, yet grapple with stressors such as anxiety and financial instability.
Favorite dishes and food trends:
This generation is heavily influenced by TikTok food trends, enjoying items like butter boards, trendy “girl dinners,” baked feta, and cottage cheese-based dishes. They lean towards snacking over cooking, maintaining a budget-friendly and eco-friendly approach with their dietary choices, and are often found with diverse milk options, including oat milk and traditional dairy.
Healthy habits:
Alcohol consumption for Gen Z is shifting towards moderation, with many identifying as sober-curious. This cohort prioritizes mental wellness, utilizing meditation apps, journaling, and regular gym attendance. They represent the largest demographic of gym-goers today, sharing their fitness journeys openly.
What the data says:
A report from the Mental Health Foundation reveals alarming concerns regarding body image, with 65% of 12- to 26-year-olds indicating at least one mental health condition in the last two years. Despite portraying a laid-back attitude, they report experiencing some of the poorest sleep quality across age groups. In fact, they average over 50 days off from work annually due to mental health issues. However, they also drink substantially less than previous generations, marking a shift in health priorities.
How we live:
Nutrition coach Beth Johnson from Lift Club shares, “For many Gen Z, health isn’t limited to fitness; it encompasses holistic living. My clients delve into gut health, hormone balance, and their relationship with food. While they navigate abundant information, the pressure to perfect their routines can be exhausting.” She concludes, “Gen Z strives for sustainability in health, even if the journey can be a learning process.”
So, who’s really living the healthiest?
Ultimately, no generation reigns supreme in health. Each brings unique strengths and challenges into the realm of wellness. Baby Boomers enjoy longevity but navigate outdated health ideologies. Generation X is carving their path amid life’s responsibilities, while Millennials redefine well-being amidst anxiety. Gen Z, though the most health-conscious, grapples with the pressures of a digital age.
Health is not a destination nor a generational competition; it is an ongoing journey that evolves. The most healthful generation might not be defined by gym memberships or kale smoothies, but rather by those who learn to listen to their bodies, adapt, and engage in wellness practices in their own unique way—from breathwork sessions to local runs.
Read more:
Healthy diet tips for ageing well
How diet can lower the risk of dementia
What to eat to help beat common health problems
Why stress makes you hungry
What is burnout?
10 ways to manage your appetite
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