Millennials are seeing their health decline faster than the previous generation as they age. This extends to
both physical health conditions, such as hypertension and high cholesterol, and behavioral health
conditions, such as major depression and hyperactivity. Without intervention, millennials could feasibly see
mortality rates climb up by more than 40% compared to Gen-Xers at the same age.
2. These accelerated declines will result in greater demand for treatment and higher healthcare costs in the
years ahead. Under the most adverse scenario, millennial treatment costs are projected to be as much as
33% higher than Gen-Xers experienced at a comparable age.
3. Poorer health among millennials will keep them from contributing as much to the economy as they otherwise
would, manifesting itself through higher unemployment and slower income growth. Under the most adverse
set of projections, lower levels of health alone could cost millennials more than $4,500 per year in real percapita income compared to similarly aged Gen-Xers. Such impacts would be most likely concentrated in
areas already struggling economically, potentially exacerbating instances of income inequality and
contributing to a vicious cycle of even greater prevalence of behavioral and physical health conditions.