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Gen X, Gen Y Workers More Stressed, Less Healthy

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- It sure seems like we have a lot of health and wellness programs out there. But are younger people paying attention?

A study seems to indicate they're not, that they feel more stressed and less healthy than Baby Boomers.

Gen X covers ages 25 through 44, and Gen Y is ages 18 through 24. Baby Boomers are between the ages of 45 and 60.

The 2012 Aflac WorkForces Report found that Gen Y employees exercise the least.

Both Gen Y and Gen X don't eat as well as Boomers or Traditionalists, who are age 65 or over.

What could be affecting the health of these younger employees? According to the study, one factor could be their lack of engagement in workplace wellness programs.

The survey found that fewer than one in four Gen Y employees works for a company that currently offers a wellness program.

The good news for those X and Y generations, according to this study, is that even though they aren't using wellness programs, the majority say they are likely to participate in individual health events, including fun runs and health fairs.

Another potential reason for an unhealthy Gen Y: respondents also felt the least informed about benefits offered by their employers.

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