Millennials ageing faster than their parents, studies and experts say; here’s why — and how they can slow the process

People now in their 30s and 40s are more health-conscious than previous generations yet their health is declining faster than older people’s, studies show

Experts recommend lifestyle changes – such as eating well and exercising more – and point to Singapore’s example in setting policies to encourage ageing well

Reading Time:4 minutes

Millennials are more health conscious than generations before them – but they are also ageing faster than their parents did. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 7:15am, 12 Dec 2023Updated: 8:06am, 15 Dec 2023

Millennials – those born between 1981 and 1996 – are more health-conscious than preceding generations but are seeing their health decline faster than that of their parents as they age.

That is according to a 2020 study from medical insurer Blue Cross Blue Shield in the United States.

The data shows this decline applies both to physical health – showing up in conditions such as hypertension and high cholesterol – and mental health, as seen in cases of depression and anxiety disorder, among other ailments.

Experts suggest this is the case not just in the United States, but in Asia too.

Millennials are developing chronic conditions, including hypertension, much earlier than their parents did. Photo: Shutterstock

Korean millennials on track to age faster than their parents

Professor Jung Hee-won, of the geriatric medicine department at Asan Medical Centre in Seoul, South Korea, warns that young adults are on track to be the first generation to age faster than their parents.