Dunked in Fountain of Youth: Why are millennials aging slower than Gen Z and Boomers?

Aging is an inevitable part of life, but its speed and impact can differ greatly between generations. Interestingly, while

Gen Z

and

Boomers

may show signs of faster aging,

millennials

seem to have discovered the key to aging more gracefully. Millennials seem to age more slowly than Gen Z and Boomers, due to their balanced approach towards mental health, fitness, and overall well-being. Their generational mindset combined with cultural and societal shifts probably makes them healthier during aging. While it may raise some eyebrows, we’re trying to find out if that holds any truth. Here are some simple explanations behind these generational differences:

More focus on physical health

One major factor is the increased awareness of health and fitness among millennials, as compared to Boomers. Millennials were raised in an era when health and fitness became mainstream, so they learned how to exercise regularly and eat healthy. This is unlike the Boomers, who were less exposed to such trends and had unhealthy habits like smoking and processed food consumption. Millennials have learned healthy, sustainable practices.
According to Dr. Gorav Gupta, Senior Psychiatrist & CEO, Tulasi Healthcare New Delhi, “Unlike Gen Z, however, millennials will not overdo it since they are keen on holding it all back; instead, they strive towards more sustainable routines that make the body do more of its good parts rather than being set off by transient trends. By doing so, this avoids the physical and psychological stress whose consequences associated with extreme health practices contribute to slower aging.”

Sedentary lifestyle

Gen Z’s reliance on digital devices for work, education, and entertainment has led to a largely sedentary lifestyle. Higher smoking rates among the generation also accelerate aging. Poor posture, combined with a lack of physical activity, not only contributes to musculoskeletal issues but also slows circulation and metabolism, both of which are essential for maintaining youthful energy and skin health.
Poor posture, combined with a lack of physical activity, not only contributes to musculoskeletal issues but also slows circulation and metabolism, both of which are essential for maintaining youthful energy and skin health.

Chronic stress from social media and career pressures

According to Dr. Joydeep Ghosh, Consultant, Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Anandapur, Kolkata, “ The constant comparison on social media platforms, coupled with heightened career competition and economic uncertainty, creates chronic stress. Elevated cortisol levels from this stress contribute to inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and premature aging.”
For millennials, the issue of mental health awareness is very important. They have even made therapy, mindfulness, and stress management regular features of maintaining one’s health and well-being. This means they prevent the worst damage that chronic stress can bring about in terms of quickened aging.
According to Dr. Geeta Shroff, co- founder, Lighthouse Counselling Center, “Gen Z, however, has different stressors, particularly those associated with social media influences, making them prone to burnout and its physical consequence. Boomers, on the other hand, were not exposed to much mental health services back when they were younger, so many of these issues only begin when they reach adulthood.”

Poor sleep and dietary habits

Reliance on junk and processed foods produces free radicals, leading to oxidative damage and premature aging. Gen Z struggles with irregular sleep patterns, often disrupted by late-night screen use. Inadequate sleep impairs the body’s ability to repair itself, accelerating physical and cognitive decline. Combined with nutrient-deficient diets, this lack of rest takes a significant toll on their physical and mental health.
Dr. Srabani Mukherjee, Consultant, Nutrition and Diet, Fortis Hospital, Anandapur, Kolkata highlights dietary habits as a significant factor in Gen Z’s accelerated aging. “Deficiency in antioxidants due to low consumption of fruits, vegetables, and milk leaves cells unprotected from damage. Poor hydration habits, with sugary drinks replacing water, decrease skin elasticity and impair cellular repair. Low intake of omega-3 fatty acids, resulting from inadequate fish consumption, increases inflammation and negatively affects skin and brain health,” she says.
In contrast, Millennials’ focus on balanced diets, hydration, and nutrient-rich foods has supported slower aging and better overall health.

Poor skin care choices

From a dermatological perspective, Dr. Sanjib Chowdhuri, Consultant, Dermatology, Fortis Hospital, Anandapur, Kolkata, “Poor sun protection habits and unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking, damage the skin. Excessive use of chemical-heavy hair dyes and skincare products causes photoaging and pigmentation. Prolonged screen time exposes the skin to infrared and blue light, necessitating better sun and screen protection. Gen Z’s early adoption of invasive beauty treatments raises concerns about long-term effects on skin health. Increased exposure to pollution and intensified sun rays worsens skin and overall health.”
Together, these factors highlight the urgent need for Gen Z to adopt healthier lifestyles to mitigate the aging process.
In conclusion, millennials’ proactive approach to health, nutrition, and sun protection has slowed their aging process. In contrast, Gen Z’s lifestyle choices, coupled with environmental and societal pressures, demand urgent course correction to slow down their biological clock.