A new national survey conducted by the Cleveland Clinic found similarities and differences between generations when it comes to men’s health. Survey highlights health priorities and concerns among men; however, there are generational differences in health habits, mental health, and use of social media as a source of health information.
While 95% of men surveyed said a healthy lifestyle was their top priority, the results show that different health behaviors exist between different generations. The survey surveyed members of Generation Z (born between 1997 and 2005), Millennials (born between 1981 and 1996), Generation X (born between 1965 and 1980) and Boomers+ (born before 1965). Here are some examples of men interviewed:
- Get an annual physical (61% of Gen X and Boomer+ men vs. 32% of Millennials and Gen Z men)
- Avoid smoking/vaping (60% of Gen X and Boomer+ men vs. 43% of Millennials and Gen Z men)
- Address mental health (53% of Gen X and Baby Boomers + 59% of Millennial and Gen Z men)
Nearly 2 in 5 Gen Z men do not have an established primary care provider. As a result, many men of this generation report that they have never, or are not sure if they have ever had their blood pressure, cholesterol levels or BMI/weight checked.
The survey, conducted earlier this year among a national sample of 1,000 U.S. men ages 18 and older, was released as part of the Cleveland Clinic’s ninth annual educational campaign, MENtion It.®. The campaign aims to address the fact that men often do not mention health problems or take steps to prevent them.
We found in the survey that men worry about how the health decisions they make will affect them in the future. Health risks related to age and family history make a relationship with a primary care provider essential, even for younger men. »
Petar Bajic, MD, director of the Center for Men’s Health at the Cleveland Clinic
“Monitoring key indicators in men, like blood pressure and cholesterol, in addition to sexual health issues, is crucial, as we know these can often signal a larger underlying health problem.”
The results also reveal that most men fear getting cancer (74%), but cancer screening and awareness rates remain low. A third of Gen Xers and Baby Boomers+ eligible for colorectal cancer screening have not been screened or are not sure they have. Additionally, a quarter of men at average risk for prostate cancer (aged 50 and over) have not been screened or are not sure they have.
The survey also asked men who they go to for health information. Although all generations agree that health care providers are a major source of health information and advice, reliance on other sources varies by age. Gen Z men are the most likely of all generations to turn to social media (33%), compared to just 5% of Boomers+.
Visit www.clevelandclinic.org/MENtionIt for more information on this year’s survey.
Methodology
The online survey was conducted among a national sample of 1,000 U.S. men, ages 18 and older, living in the continental United States, between June 12 and 25, 2024, in partnership with market research company Savanta.
The total male sample surveyed was nationally representative based on census data on age, region, urban/rural, ethnicity, race, income, and education. The margin of error for the total sample at the 95% confidence level is ±2.6 percentage points.
Additionally, oversamples were collected for adult Generation Z (birth year 2005-1997) (total n = 350), Generation Y (birth year: 1996-1981) (total n = 350), Generation (year of birth: 1980-1965) (total n=350), Boomers+ (year of birth: 1964 and before) (total n=350). All data cited on generational segments leverages oversampling data and is not nationally representative.