A new study of 2,000 men across all ages has found that Gen Z men (aged 18-29) are the healthiest generation, prioritizing sleep, homemade meals, and exercise. Millennials (30-45) rank second, drinking more water than any other age group. Gen X (46-61) comes third, while Boomers (62-80) take the bottom spot, exercising the least and consuming the most alcohol.
Health Habits by Generation
Gen Z men drink the fewest alcoholic drinks and exercise the most among all generations. They also get more sleep and eat more homemade meals compared to older adults. Millennials lead in water consumption, while Boomers have the healthiest diet—eating the most fruits and vegetables and the fewest takeaways and ready meals.
Despite their healthy choices, Gen Z and Millennials are nearly three times more likely to feel overwhelmed compared to Boomers, who are the least stressed generation.
Men's Health Priorities
Almost all men (98%) say their overall health is important to them. However, Boomers are more likely to prioritize physical health (32%) than Gen Z (20%) and Millennials (13%). In contrast, younger generations focus more on mental health: 23% of Gen Z and 19% of Millennials concentrate on their mental wellbeing, compared to just 4% of Boomers.
More than half of Boomer and Gen X men feel they are taking charge of their health more now than ever before. Seven in 10 say they have only increased their focus on health as they have gotten older. Among Boomers, 62% believe they take their health more seriously now, while 53% say it's because they feel the need to make more effort as they age. Others cite increased interest, learning about their body's needs, or a health scare as motivators.
Top 10 Ways Men Are Taking Charge of Their Health
- Drink more water
- Go for more walks
- Eat more fruit and vegetables
- Exercise more
- Eat less junk food
- Improve diet generally
- Take vitamins or supplements
- Eat fewer takeaways
- Eat more protein
- Improve sleep pattern
Melissa Cohen, head of nutrition at Vitabiotics Wellman, which commissioned the research and created the quiz, said: "It has often been thought that health is something of the youth, but the results show young men appear to be more aware of their wellbeing. But older generations are following suit – just perhaps in different ways. However – and whenever – you do it, taking charge of your own health is going to be a good thing and it doesn't have to be a big leap. Not everyone will be running marathons, but working to introduce small lifestyle changes, whether that's improving your diet, walking a few more steps or trying to manage stress can go a long way to improving your mental and physical health."
Cohen added: "Taking charge of your health is not a one size fits all. What might be right will differ from person to person – but good nutrition, plenty of water and as active a lifestyle as possible is always going to be a good starting point."
