Boomers, Gen Z, and millennials are often at odds with how things should be done, but each generation can teach the other a few tricks to make life easier and improve their wellness. Sometimes listening to another generation and seeing what they are doing can have a huge impact on your health and your overall wellness. What can boomers learn from Gen Z and millennials to improve their wellness? Let’s find out!
Putting Aside Differences of Perspective
A recent study found that Gen Z, millennials, and boomers have different life perspectives on nearly everything under the sun, from what is the most important day in one’s life, to whether having children is a must. That said, research also shows that there are many shared perspectives as well. For example, health milestones and wellness are both general ideas shared by all three generations. In other words, no matter when you were born you worry about your health and wellness. The old saying, “When you know better you do better,” really applies to what a boomer can learn from the Gen Z and millennial generations. There are five habits in particular that boomers can mimic to find the wellness that they are seeking.
Sleeping More
Gen Z and Millennials sleep two hours more each night on average than boomers do. Gen Z and millennials prioritize sleep. Scientists now understand sleep better than they did in the 70s and 80s. For example, REM sleep, which stands for rapid eye movement, accounts for about 20%-25% of the total sleep that healthy adults experience. We know that REM sleep is the deepest sleep state where dreaming occurs and is how you get the most rest.
Sleep is generally not as valued by boomers. It was largely looked at as something that you did a lot of if you were lazy, but today we know that sleep is a valuable tool that affects everything from weight loss to memory loss. While you sleep, your body heals, your immune system regenerates, and other body functions take place that do not take place while you are awake. Adopting healthy sleep habits is one of the key takeaways from Gen Z and millennials that boomers can benefit from. It can be a game-changer for your health and wellness.
Being Proactive About Your Health
Gen Z and millennials focus more on prevention and wellness than boomers do. Boomers will often wait until they are sick before they seek out health care. Gen Z and millennials will take the preventative route by adjusting diet and lifestyle to avoid getting sick. Adopting the idea that an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure can help boomers avoid some of the “lifestyle”-related diseases. For example, adopting a healthier diet can offset the onset of type II diabetes.
Mental Health Awareness
Boomers are more likely to be depressed and anxious and not seek treatment than Gen Z and millennials are. Gen Z and millennials are more aware of the state of their mental health and work toward protecting it and managing it. Boomers can benefit by picking up some of the habits to protect their mental health that Gen Z and millennials have developed. For example, mediation and seeking out therapy. Wellness is not just about physical health, it is about overall health. Of Gen Z and millennials, about 82% and 76% of respondents report that they listen to music while in the car to help keep boredom at bay. The fact is music is a great way to care for your mental health. Simple, sustainable habits can have a big impact.
Having a Plan and Being Social
Millennials and Gen Z generations are planners. Given that 90% of seniors wish to stay in their own homes for age, it is important that boomers learn how to plan and plan well. Planning for wellness, now and in the future, is essential. Adopting this habit can help boomers to live the lifestyle that they choose as they age.
Gen Z and millennials are more social than boomers. They create social networks that provide support. They are more likely to reach out for support when they need it. Being more social and transparent is good for your health and wellness. Sharing information is a great way to see what other people are doing to stay well. Socialization can also help improve memory, give you the motivation to schedule your days in a certain way, and stay active in your community.
Adopting some of the habits that the younger generation has developed can help to keep you young and improve your wellness. Help your loved ones stay active, social, and engaged in life.
