Rising Health Concerns Among Canadian Gen Z Highlighted in New Study

A recent study by Sun Life, released on January 21, 2024, indicates that Canadian adults from Generation Z are experiencing significant health challenges. This cohort, defined by Statistics Canada as individuals born between 1997 and 2012, is showing increasing rates of mental health disorders and chronic diseases compared to older age groups.

Sun Life’s findings are based on a comprehensive database that includes over 20,000 employers and three million health plan members across Canada. The report reveals that chronic disease rates among Gen Z are rising two to three times faster than those of other generations. Furthermore, the number of antidepressant claims from this group has doubled compared to the overall health plan members during a three-year period.

Impact of Mental Health Disorders

The study highlights alarming statistics regarding mental health among Gen Z, particularly among women. More than 60 percent of long-term disability claims for Gen Z women are attributed to mental health disorders. In a striking contrast, women utilize mental health therapy services at twice the rate of their male counterparts.

As Gen Z prepares to become a dominant force in the Canadian workforce by 2030, these health challenges could have broader implications for workplaces and communities. More than half of Gen Z’s long-term disability claims involve mental health issues, compared to roughly 40 percent for the general population. Notably, claims for antidepressant medication among Gen Z men rose by over 50 percent from 2021 to 2024, outpacing women’s usage.

Sun Life’s research also indicates that an increasing number of Gen Z men are seeking psychological support. Visits to psychologists by this demographic have surged, growing nearly twice as fast as the overall plan members.

Chronic Disease Trends

In addition to mental health issues, the study points to a worrying increase in claims for medications treating various chronic conditions. Gen Z is experiencing a rise in prescriptions for asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

Marie-Chantal Côté, Senior Vice-President of Sun Life Health, emphasized the unique challenges facing this generation. “Supporting Gen Z is essential for building resilient businesses and a stronger future for Canadians,” Côté stated. She noted that this generation is grappling with a fast-paced digital environment filled with new stressors, economic uncertainty, and climate anxiety.

Although chronic disease rates among Gen Z are still lower than those seen in older age groups, the upward trend is concerning. Sun Life warns that if these patterns continue, today’s Gen Z employees could face much higher chronic disease rates by middle age compared to those currently aged 40 to 59. The company reported that claims for diabetes medications have increased two to four times faster among Canadians under 30 compared to those aged 30 to 60, with claims for Gen Z women growing 40 percent faster than those for men.

To address these health issues, Sun Life encourages Gen Z employees to prioritize both their mental and physical well-being. The organization offers solutions such as Lumino Health Virtual Care and flexible health spending accounts, designed to provide tailored health support.

“Canadians deserve health solutions that fit their real lives,” Côté affirmed. “We’re giving them practical tools to support every stage of life, because nothing matters more than protecting your health.”

Sun Life’s comprehensive report, titled “The kids have all grown up,” is available online and provides further insights into the health challenges faced by Canadian Gen Z.