A new analysis from Aon Hewitt, the global talent, retirement and health solutions business of insurer Aon plc, finds that Millennials put a lower priority on medical care than other generations.
However, Millennials are the most likely to want employers to play an active role in supporting their overall health and wellbeing, according to the study. The analysis is based on data from the “2014 Consumer Health Mindset” report, a joint survey of more than 2,700 U.S. employees and their dependents conducted by Aon Hewitt, the National Business Group on Health and The Futures Company.
Aon Hewitt analyzed the perspectives, behaviors and attitudes of employees from different generations toward health and wellness. According to the analysis, Millennials are the least likely to participate in activities focused on prevention and maintaining or improving physical health compared with other generations.
About half (54 percent) have had a physical in the last 12 months, compared with 60 percent of Generation X and 73 percent of Baby Boomers. In addition, just 39 percent say preventive care is one of the most important things to do to stay healthy, compared with 49 percent of Generation X and 69 percent of Baby Boomers.
"Given their younger age, most Millennials are relatively healthy, so they may not feel a sense of urgency to go to the doctor regularly or eat a well-balanced diet," Ray Baumruk, employee research leader at Aon Hewitt, said in a statement. "However, the lack of health prevention and maintenance when they're young may lead to greater health risks as they get older. Employers should communicate the importance of participating in health-related activities now to avoid serious health issues later in life."
Aon Hewitt's analysis shows that Millennials are the most likely generation to embrace support from employers in their overall health and wellbeing. More than half say "living or working in a healthy environment" is influential to their personal health.
