The Generational Wellness Gap: Caring for the Whole Health of Younger Generations

With rapid advances in technology and medicine, people have access to lifesaving and life-expanding techniques and healthy-living options that weren’t available to their predecessors. Why then are younger people from Generation X (Gen X) and Y (Millennials), specifically those born between 1970 and 1985, tending to die more frequently and at younger ages?

Scientists can’t point to a definitive reason for this trend, but there are some clues that our experts are here to help unpack. At AdventHealth, our goal is to care for every person in body, mind and spirit with the hope of guiding them toward long, fulfilling and healthy lives. With awareness, you’re empowered to make better choices that impact your quality of life as well as your lifespan. Keep reading to learn more.

Historical Context

Historically, each generation has improved its life expectancy and reduced its mortality rate compared to the previous generation. However, a new study found that those born after 1970 are experiencing increasing death from cardiovascular disease, cancer and other outside causes compared to their previous generations, implying continuation of poor mortality trends as they age.

Rising Cancer Rates

Cancer diagnoses and associated deaths are on the rise for Gen X and Elder Millennials. For example, in recent years, doctors report seeing young patients with colorectal cancer diagnoses more often. The American Cancer Society (ACS) reports that 20% of diagnoses are now in patients under age 55, which is roughly double the rate in 1995. Additionally, incidence rates in adults under 50 have risen by3% per year since 2013, and nearly half of all new diagnoses are now occurring in individuals younger than 65 years. The ACS estimates that by the end of 2026, there will be approximately 158,850 new cases of colorectal cancer and 55,230 deaths overall in the United States, with a disproportionately rising share among younger demographics.

We recommend people begin routine screening for colorectal cancer at age 45, or earlier if you are considered a high-risk patient, continuing with periodic screenings until age 75.

Heart Disease Rates Among Younger Generations

Rising heart disease deaths among the Gen X and Elder Millennial groups are also a cause for concern. In older generations, cardiovascular illnesses were relatively rare in individuals who were in their 30s and 40s. If these current groups are already showing worse mortality trends, the concern is what will happen when the individuals in these groups are in their 50s and 60s.

How to Prevent Cancer and Heart Disease

Addressing risk factors related to heart disease, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity, early can help prevent issues later. Also, addressing colon cancer mortality among younger individuals may involve related factors and can benefit from improving nutrition and eating a healthy diet.

External Factors

Some of the external causes of death for younger generations have more to do with a more populated world, busier lives and the subsequent mental health conditions that are related to living in an abnormally stressful world. Drug overdoses, suicide, homicide and traffic accidents are among the causes of death on the rise for Gen X and Elder Millennials.

Uplifting Support and Whole-Person Healing Is Here

Navigating these modern pressures requires a compassionate, intentional shift toward whole-person health that lifts the heavy burdens of a far too stressful world. By prioritizing mental health support, breaking down stigma and working toward building deeply supportive and connected communities, we can help younger generations reclaim their peace and their lives. True healing happens when we nurture the body, mind and spirit together, empowering individuals with the resources and hope they need to live a vibrant, fulfilling and whole life.

We’re also here to help you with your screenings because catching illnesses early while they’re most treatable is key to a full recovery, so you can enjoy your life for decades to come.

Request an appointment today. You deserve to feel whole.