According to a recent national survey, members of what has been coined the Millennial Generation (people who were born starting in the early 1980's and are now ages 15-27; also known as Generation Y) consider themselves healthy, even though they pursue unhealthy behaviors associated with high risk of chronic disease.
The survey was commissioned by Life University and conducted by market research firm The OSR Group., which interviewed 1,000 millennials by phone and online, gathering their opinions on health, wellness and health care reform. Findings were published as "Millennial Myopia: What Young Americans Don't Know About Health Care."
Health Care Utilization
Twelve percent of millennials said that they have visited a chiropractor within the past year, with most (75 percent) doing so for back pain and a surprising number (40 percent) seeking preventative care. Older age, higher self-rating of health, and female gender increased the likelihood of visiting a chiropractor, according to the survey, which also found that in terms of alternative health in general, the majority (60 percent) of respondents said alternative care practitioners exert some influence over their health decisions, 18 percent of whom say the influence is significant. On the other hand, the survey also found that primary care doctors have the most influence on millennials' health decisions (64 percent of respondents), followed closely by parents (60 percent).
(Un)Healthy Habits
On a scale of 1-10, a vast majority (84 percent) of millennials rated their own health higher than a seven and more than a third (38 percent) rated their health as high as a nine or ten. Many millennials also believe they are healthier than their parents now and the majority think they will be healthier when they are their parents' age than their parents are today.
This perception of health is admirable, but not at all reflected in their health behaviors. More than half (58 percent) of millennials said that they eat junk food several times a week, 50 percent drink soda regularly, 50 percent get inadequate sleep, 44 percent do not exercise regularly 17 percent smoke frequently, and 6 percent drink too much alcohol several times a week.
Unhealthy relationships are also a major concern, with 13 percent of millennials reporting that they regularly spend time in unhealthy relationships. Those who do were more likely to rate their health less than seven on a 1-10 scale, to have a higher incidence of unhealthy behaviors, and to take medication.
Medication Use
More than one in four millennials (28 percent) said they take medication on a regular basis. Allergy medications are the most common pharmaceuticals taken, followed by birth control medications (which isn't particularly surprising, considering the general age group). However, third on the list - 23 percent of those who reported taking medications - is anti-depressants. Even more revealing, 40 percent of those who take medication regularly think their life is moving in the wrong direction, according to the survey.
Opinions on Health Care
Survey results suggest the vast majority of millennials are willing to take responsibility for their own health, even while blaming others for problems with the current health care system. Thirty-nine percent of millennials surveyed said that insurance companies are to blame; 32 percent blame the federal government. One in two believe that it is the government's responsibility to fix the system, while one in five look to the insurance industry. However, with that said, 85 percent believe the individual has a responsibility to improve health care by practicing healthier habits.
"The national healthcare debate has triggered endless discussions about cost and access, but very little dialogue about whether the system promotes sustainable health," said Dr. Guy Riekeman, president of Life University. "Millennials believe they are the healthiest generation, but the reality is that they are no different from their parents. Both age groups have a quick-fix mentality towards health that's been reinforced by our country's policies. If millennials want to avoid the same diseases that are beginning to harm their parents, they must adopt habits that support prevention and wellness. Perhaps then their children will understand what it really means to be healthy."
For more information on "Millennial Myopia: What Young Americans Don't Know About Health Care," visit http://bit.ly/cvGddj.
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