Researchers from the University of California Riverside and the University of Colorado Boulder have discovered thisMillennials phenomenonlooked at: They are still young adults and yet seem to be aging faster than any generation before them. Why is that?
The participants in the study, all young adults between the ages of 28 and 49, mostly stated that their everyday life consists of long commutes, varied desk work and evenings on the couch - more than that60 hours per weekThe average Millennial spends it sitting. And this sedentary lifestyle is not good for the body. The health datayoung adultshowed that the age of their body does not match the biological one. TheResult of the studyis both clear and sobering: “The longer you sit, the older your body is.”
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But other aspects also mean that Millennials are aging faster than their parents' generation.
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Technological exposure: Digital stress and screen use
Millennials are the first generation to grow up with the constant presence of digital devices and social media. Long-term use of smartphones, laptops and tablets has not only changed their social interactions, but also impacted their physical and mental health.
- Blue light and sleep disorders: Constant use of devices that emit blue light is linked to disruption of natural sleep patterns. Poorly regulated sleep has a direct impact on the aging process, as it is associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases and accelerated cellular aging.
- Psychological stress: Constant exposure to news and social media leads to increased stress levels. Millennials are more likely to report chronic stress, anxiety and depression, which can result in premature exhaustion of the body and immune system.
Increased psychological stress and existential anxiety
As a generation, Millennials have grown into a time of economic upheaval. The financial crisis of 2008, insecure employment and rising living costs have led to significant psychological pressure. These social and economic uncertainties create persistent levels of stress, which play a critical role in the aging process.
- Stress and cortisol: Long-term stress leads to chronically elevated cortisol levels, which can accelerate aging by promoting the breakdown of cellular structures and impairing repair mechanisms in the body.
- Insufficient free time: The psychological stress caused by work pressure and social expectations also reduces the time for rest and regeneration. However, reducing stress and getting enough sleep are crucial to slowing down the aging process.
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Environmental factors and air pollution
Another important aspect is the increasingly unhealthy environment in which many millennials live. Cities are often heavily polluted, leading to increased exposure to harmful environmental factors such as air pollution, chemicals and pollutants. These factors are associated with premature skin aging and an increased risk of respiratory diseases.
- Damage to the skin: Fine dust and other pollutants can damage the skin, inhibit collagen production and lead to wrinkles and a dull complexion. Studies show that people who live in urban areas with high levels of air pollution develop aging skin signs more quickly.
- Increased risk of chronic diseases: Exposure to environmental toxins can also weaken the immune system, which can lead to an earlier onset of diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other age-related diseases.
Unhealthy diet
Many millennials struggled with a diet filled with fast food, sugary drinks, and processed foods throughout their childhood and adolescence. Even though there has been a growing interest in healthy eating in recent years, many struggle with irregular eating habits and little time for balanced meals.
