The younger one not as healthy as the older ones...

Twenty and thirtysomethings aren't as healthy as their parents

Last updated at 08:32am on 18th January 2008
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/arti...in_page_id=1797


Junk: Fast food and ready meals lack the nutrients of meals typically cooked by people from older generations

They should be in the prime of their lives. But instead, those in their twenties and thirties are in worse health than their parents, a survey has found.
Binge drinking, ready meals and a lack of exercise all take their toll.

As a result, the young are more likely to have migraines, catch a cold or become stressed than the over-55s.

According to the research, those aged between 18 and 34 are three times more likely to have a cold or flu than the older generation.

Nearly a quarter of the young regularly have headaches or migraines, compared to just 14 per cent of over-55s.

And they are almost twice as likely to have high stress levels.

The elderly also tend to eat more healthily. More than four in ten eat five or more portions of fruit or vegetables a day, double the number of young men and women.

And when it comes to alcohol, 20 per cent of the over-55s don't indulge, while just 10 per cent of those aged 18-34 abstain.

Six in ten of the elderly make fresh meals every day, compared to less than a third of the young.

And while three-quarters of over-55s say they eat a balanced diet, just half of the younger generation does so.

Less than a third of them regularly cook with fresh ingredients, compared to almost two-thirds of the older people.

What is more, almost 10 per cent of them admit to eating ready meals for every meal - and two per cent say they only eat at restaurants.

The older generation is also more likely to take a healthy amount of exercise, with 12 per cent spending at least 30 minutes doing so each day.

They may appear fitter, but only nine per cent of the young do that.

Over-55s also try hardest to have at least six hours' sleep and plenty of fresh air, according to research done in the UK for fruit brand Florida Grapefruit.

Chris Steele, the resident doctor on ITV's This Morning programme, said: "I have seen a rise in young people suffering from illnesses such as colds, flu and headaches.

"Long working hours, high stress levels and lack of exercise lead to people getting run-down and ill.

"Young people need to ensure they get a minimum of five fruits and vegetables each day and take regular exercise to stay healthy."

Nutritionist Anita Bean said: "Older Britons' conventional meal pattern of meat and two veg is healthier than the younger generation's convenience foods.

"Convenience foods and high-fat snacks are devoid of vital nutrients, leaving people feeling tired, more prone to illness and less able to manage stress", she added.