Millennials: The ‘Wellness Generation’

This generation grew up in a time of rapid change, giving them different priorities and expectations.

Do you know, that by 2026, millennials will make up 75% of the U.S. workforce? Organizations wanting to attract, engage and retain millennials should make work-life balance a priority.

Millennials are those born from 1981 to 1996 and are the largest living generation today. They also became the workforce majority at the end of 2015. By the end of 2025, they will make up 75% of the American workforce.

This generation grew up in a time of rapid change, which gives them different priorities and expectations than previous generations. Their unique upbringing and subsequent values are reshaping our economy in almost every way possible.

Think Uber, Fitbit, Airbnb, and Twitter. Successful companies that continue to adapt as the result of millennial expectations aren’t just changing the products they sell and how they sell them — they also are changing their cultures.

A healthier generation

Except for family, millennials value health the most. In a recent study, 79% said the family was important in their lives, followed by health and wellness at 53%, friends at 39%, spirituality at 31%, and career at 27%.

Wellness is a daily, active pursuit for millennials. They are eating healthier and exercising more than previous generations. They smoke less. Almost half consider healthy eating a lifestyle choice as opposed to a goal-driven diet.

Technology has enabled greater access to wellness information and has put personal health monitoring into the palms of their hands. Millennials use apps and technology to stay healthy; and while they are earning less than older generations, they are spending more on health and fitness.

According to a report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, millennial households are buying more unprocessed foods, like fruits and vegetables, rather than processed foods, such as pasta and potato chips. Millennials are turning toward food that is healthy, fresh, and organic.

Changing the Game 

Due to their desire for fresh, organic foods, the preservative-rich and canned food demand is decreasing and grocery stores must adapt because of it. Fresh products on the outer ring of the store are beginning to sell more while center store products are losing steam.

Millennials want convenience

In fact, 55% of millennials say that convenience is one of the most important factors when deciding what foods to buy. To accommodate this demand, grocery delivery has been growing in popularity, which in turn reduces the amount of impulse buying that happens in stores.

Everything from the food millennials likes to eat, to the way that food moves from location to location is rapidly changing.

How will their distinct food and dining preferences change the food industry? Well, the result will be healthier and more sustainable.

From their perceptions of health issues to their most trusted sources of health information, it’s clear that millennials stand out, not only in their behavior and decisions but also in the factors that influence them.

This tool does not provide medical advice, it is intended for information purposed only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the Colleen The Coach website. If you suspect you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.

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