Understanding each generation is particularly important to businesses and financial institutions wanting to capitalise on their spending habits. Here is a link from a financial company explaining quite well the different generations.

I am more interested on the impact on each generations wellness as that is my area of expertise. There is very little research pertaining to the health and wellness of each generation and what I could find various depending on the sources.

This information is purely based on what I have observed as a trend in my practice so I share as some food for thought:

Age 57-75: Over 80% of Boomers are taking between 2 and 5 chronic medications and have bought into a belief system that their bodies are failing them and medication or operations are needed in order to survive. They are less likely to try alternative health options. Most have had at least two organs removed. Providing for their old age is a priority concern. Hypertension, heart attacks, strokes, cholesterol, arthritis and insomnia are highest health issues here.

Age 41-56: Generation X’s are stuck taking care of parents and children so tend to suffer from burn out or chronic fatigue and are not tuned into their own needs so many identify with auto immune diseases especially involving thyroid and adrenals. Anxiety, depression, chronic inflammation and metabolic syndrome can also be an issue. Over half are on at least one chronic medication for depression, sleep or thyroid.

Age 25-40: Generation Y’s are disillusioned with the current health industry and instinctively feel that a more natural approach to their wellness makes more sense for them. They question the status quo and are more in tune with their gut feelings but are not always sure where to turn for assistance. They tend to be more health conscious but their generation is also influenced by experimentation with drugs so they can fluctuate between extreme health and apps to measure everything.. and addiction binges. They may have been subjected to many antibiotics and drugs for ADHD as children so also have compromised immune systems. Health issues include anxiety, mood, asthma, sinus and allergies. Fertility issues are also on the increase with this generation.

Age 9-24: Generation Z are growing up in a hyper connected world and have very short attention spans. They are more self propelled, aspiring to own their own businesses and following their purpose but often do not know what this is. They are more fluid in thoughts and beliefs and if their parents and environment does not try and understand this they can be more anxious and stressed and suffer with mental health issues. Physical fitness, healthy eating and mental health are more important to a much larger percent of these individuals and they use technology to help them manage this. They understand intuitively that they are energy beings. Fear and general exposure to toxins is an issue so many suffer with asthma, sinus, post nasal drip, sensitivities. Depending on the supporting environment, they could tend to compare themselves to everyone around them and come up lacking so self worth is an issue needing to be addressed.

I would love to hear what your views are on the various generations and their health issues so please share.