In India, the population from tier 1 and tier 2 cities actively seek preventive care compared to curative healthcare
Redcliffe Labs released a study unveiling stark generational differences in chronic disease prevalence and healthcare access patterns. A recent study conducted with a sample size of over 1.5 million found that millennials bear a disproportionate burden of chronic illnesses compared to their Gen Z counterparts.
Alarmingly, 36 per cent of millennials are diagnosed with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and obesity. In contrast, only 12 per cent of the Gen Z population face similar health challenges. This threefold difference underscores the pressing need for targeted interventions and preventative measures tailored to millennials.
Access to healthcare services, including preventive screenings and vaccinations, varies significantly between Gen Z and millennials. While millennials are more susceptible to chronic diseases, Gen Z often face barriers to accessing timely healthcare interventions. Closing this gap is paramount to ensure equitable healthcare access for all generations.
The study also highlighted a positive trend: the rising prevalence of chronic diseases has led to a paradigm shift from reactive test checkups to proactive preventive health screenings. There is a noticeable uptick in the propensity to seek preventive health checkups across genders, with approximately 50 per cent of women now opting for preventative diagnosis. Notably, more residents in Tier 1 and 2 cities are proactively seeking these preventive tests due to improved awareness and accessibility compared to those living in rural areas.
Dr Sohini Sengupta, Medical Laboratory Director, Redcliffe Labs, said, “This generational health divide is concerning and cannot be ignored. Millennials’ higher chronic disease rates likely stem from lifestyle factors like poor diet, lack of exercise, stress, and substance abuse. However, limited Gen Z preventive screening may also underestimate their disease burden. At Redcliffe Labs, we are committed to making healthcare more accessible, reliable, and affordable for all generations. By enhancing access to preventive screening services through our pan-India network and driving targeted awareness, we aim to bridge this divide. Early intervention is the key to reducing healthcare costs and improving outcomes for chronic diseases.”