Boomers unmotivated to make lifestyle changes while 76% of Gen Z vow to exercise and drink more water

WELLNESS-LOVING Gen Z are most likely to overhaul their lifestyle this year, figures show.

Often referred to as Generation Sensible for their focus on healthy living and apparent lack of interest in alcohol, research has suggested young people also smoke less and take fewer drugs.

Now, a poll of 2,000 adults has found that of those in the age bracket surveyed – born between 1996 and 2007 – more than three quarters had vowed to make positive changes this year.

By comparison, just a fifth of Baby Boomers – born between 1946 and 1964 – planned to do the same.

Of the 76 per cent of Gen Z volunteers who wanted to switch up their lifestyle, a third (34 per cent) planned to exercise more, while three in ten (31 per cent) also wanted to lose weight or gain muscle.

Meanwhile, just under a third planned to opt for a healthier diet (29 per cent), 29 per cent wanted to read more and 27 per cent were keen to “get back in touch with nature”.

Just one in 10 looked to ditch caffeine or take on a new hobby, while eight per cent wanted to quit smoking.

Experts said, however, that this was likely because smoking levels are far lower among this age group.

Commenting on the findings, behavioural psychologist Jo Hemmings, said: “For many people, especially younger adults, change feels more achievable when it’s broken down into small, realistic actions rather than an all-or-nothing lifestyle overhaul.

“Focusing on manageable steps that fit into everyday life can help make progress feel less overwhelming and more sustainable.

“Approaching change with patience and self-compassion is key.

“Progress doesn’t always happen in a straight line and recognising that can help people stay motivated rather than discouraged.

“Even small adjustments can add up over time.

“While the findings show that fewer than one in 10 (eight per cent) Gen Z adults are currently looking to quit smoking, this may also reflect the fact that some have already moved away from cigarettes.

“Quitting cigarettes completely remains the best outcome, but for adults who would otherwise continue to smoke, moving fully away from cigarettes can be a step in the right direction.

“Change is possible, and it doesn’t have to happen all at once.”

The research, commissioned by Phillip Morris International, also found the best way to stick to these lifestyle swaps was to start small, with setting one (36 per cent) or two (32 per cent) goals considered most achievable.

Other tried and tested aids to self-improvement for all adults included making it part of a routine (48 per cent) and rewarding yourself for progress (35 per cent).

Tracking improvements through an app or a journal (33 per cent) ranked third.

Doing it with friends and family (31 per cent), celebrating milestones with a treat (23 per cent) and turning it into a game or challenge (19 per cent) also got people engaged.

The study, carried out via OnePoll, also found that among those who wanted to quit smoking, 54 per cent of Gen Z claimed that small steps made them more likely to succeed.

Among adults ditching cigarettes, their main motivators were to improve their health (75 per cent), to save money (48 per cent) and for their loved ones (37 per cent).