#Millennials

Why do some 40-year-olds appear to have defied the passage of time, drawing surprised looks and comments that they look a decade younger? Recent research and a wave of wellness trends suggest the answer may lie in the everyday lifestyle choices of millennials. A July 2025 feature by VegOut Magazine has brought attention to ten daily habits practiced by millennials that are now being recognized for their power to slow biological aging and boost health—even well into middle age. As the Thai population grapples with a rapidly aging society and chronic disease on the rise, these insights present actionable strategies applicable across generations.

The growing reluctance among millennials to have more than two children has emerged as a defining demographic trend, with new research highlighting the complex social and economic factors influencing modern family size decisions. This movement, closely linked to rising living costs and shifting values, carries important implications for Thailand as its own birthrate stagnates and younger generations reconsider their priorities.

A recent report by Business Insider details how economic uncertainty—notably high childcare costs, student debt, and the shaky job market—has led many millennials in developed countries to cap their families at two children or forego parenthood entirely. Drawing from interviews with parents and leading sociologists, the article illustrates how families struggle to afford additional children, especially in expensive urban centers. According to a cited Pew Research Center study, millennial women average about 2.02 children, aligning with earlier generations numerically but diverging in terms of economic stability and timing. Experts argue that for many in this cohort, achieving even a two-child household often feels like a luxury rather than a default lifestyle (businessinsider.com).

A new wave of research and reporting reveals that many millennials—now entering their 40s and 50s—are feeling trapped in their professional and personal lives, unable to afford the traditional “midlife crisis” once seen as a rite of passage for previous generations. While prior generations indulged in red sports cars or sabbaticals to seek purpose, millennials face economic and technological pressures that make drastic changes feel nearly impossible. This generational stagnation is drawing concern from mental health experts, economists, and those closely observing how work, money, and meaning intersect in the post-pandemic world (Business Insider).

A generational shift in attitudes toward parenthood among millennials is attracting global attention, with experts debating whether today’s young adults are “childless” by circumstance or proudly “child free” by choice. A recent series of opinion letters in The New York Times highlights the nuanced perspectives within this ongoing discussion, reflecting broader societal changes and raising important questions about the future of family, well-being, and society both in the United States and around the world, including Thailand. In examining the latest research and public debate, it becomes clear that decision-making on children among millennials is far more complex than previously assumed, as economic concerns, cultural values, and social expectations all play pivotal roles (New York Times).

Recent international research has spotlighted a growing crisis of loneliness among young men in the United States, with a scale and gender disparity that stands out even among wealthier Western countries. According to aggregated data from 2023 and 2024 by Gallup, one in four American men aged 15 to 34 reported feeling lonely “a lot” of the previous day—significantly higher than both the national average (18%) and the rate among young American women (also 18%) (Gallup; UPI; Fortune). Experts warn that these findings suggest not only a deepening emotional health problem among U.S. young men, but also an exceptional pattern rarely mirrored elsewhere in the developed world.

A recent viral video has reignited a global discussion about the generational double standards around family-building, as one woman called out baby boomer parents for pressuring their children to have kids—only to withhold meaningful support once the grandchildren arrived. The conversation, which originated from a candid social media confession, has led to broader debate in Thailand, where societal expectations around marriage, parenthood, and intergenerational care remain deeply rooted.

The woman’s video, reported by Upworthy, struck a chord with viewers by highlighting the gap between the persistent urging of older parents for their children to “settle down and have a family,” and the reality that, once grandchildren arrive, practical help—from babysitting to emotional support—can be limited or conditional. The case mirrors experiences shared by many Millennial and Gen Z adults globally, including those in Thai society, who feel squeezed by traditional expectations without adequate communal or familial backing (Upworthy).

In an age where busy schedules and digital distractions are the norm, a rising number of millennial parents are embracing the concept of the “kitchen table family”—a household practice in which family members consistently gather to share meals and meaningful conversations away from screens and outside pressures. This renewed intention to carve out daily or weekly moments of togetherness, highlighted in a recent POPSUGAR feature, is being lauded by mental health experts as a simple but effective way to strengthen family bonds and foster emotional well-being, especially among children.

A leading internal medicine specialist has sounded the alarm on the “alarming rise” of colon cancer in Generation Z and Millennials, urging young people to look out for five critical warning signs as diagnoses soar worldwide. Dr. Zion Ko Lamm, whose insights have attracted nearly a million followers on social media, emphasizes that colon cancer is not just an “old person’s disease”—incidence among the under-50s has jumped by 80% over the past thirty years, even as rates in older adults have declined or stabilised. This alarming trend, detailed in a recent article by the Daily Mail (source), raises urgent questions for Thai healthcare and society, where rapid lifestyle changes could echo Western patterns.

A recent survey reveals a growing trend among Gen Z and millennials: the intentional scheduling of “worry time” to manage persistent anxiety. Conducted by Talker Research for Avocado Green Mattress, the study surveyed 2,000 Americans and found that 10% of younger respondents dedicate specific times to worry each day. This practice contrasts sharply with only 3% of older generations, like Gen X and baby boomers, who do the same.

This practice of scheduling worry time is reported to help participants limit their anxiety and improve mental health, providing a controlled space to manage stress, thereby reducing the overall time spent worrying. The research highlights that 62% of Gen Z and millennials feel trapped in a constant state of worry, compared to 38% among Gen X and baby boomers. On average, respondents worry for two hours and 18 minutes daily, typically peaking when they are alone, before falling asleep, or upon waking.

The recent publication in the Star Tribune by Aaron Brown serves as an engaging reminder for elder millennials reaching age 45, as they now find themselves at the threshold of recommended colon cancer screenings. This shift is crucial as recent data indicates a troubling increase in colorectal cancer rates among younger adults, while early screening has decreased incidences among older populations. March, recognized as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, highlights the importance of timely screenings to mitigate risks associated with the second deadliest cancer in the United States.