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Gen Z Leads All Age Groups for Mental Health Challenges and Chronic Disease Rates
Gen Z Leads All Age Groups for Mental Health Challenges and Chronic Disease Rates Canada ...
About this update from Sun Life Financial Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"Gen Z Leads All Age Groups for Mental Health Challenges and Chronic Disease Rates\n\n\nGen Z Leads All Age Groups for Mental Health Challenges and Chronic Disease Rates\n\n/* Style Definitions */\nspan.prnews_span\n{\nfont-size:8pt;\nfont-family:\"Arial\";\ncolor:black;\n}\na.prnews_a\n{\ncolor:blue;\n}\nli.prnews_li\n{\nfont-size:8pt;\nfont-family:\"Arial\";\ncolor:black;\n}\np.prnews_p\n{\nfont-size:0.62em;\nfont-family:\"Arial\";\ncolor:black;\nmargin:0in;\n}\n\n\n\n\n\nCanada NewsWire\n\n\nChronic disease drug claims are growing 2-3 times faster for Gen ZGen Z antidepressant claims grew at double the rate of overall plan members across a three-year spanMental health disorders account for over 60 per cent of long-term disability claims for Gen Z womenTORONTO, Jan. 21, 2026 /CNW/ - According to a new report from Sun Life, Gen Z are facing greater mental health difficulties and increasing rates of chronic disease compared to other age groups. As the generation set to dominate Canada's workforce by 2030, their health challenges ripple through every workplace and community. Sun Life's newest report focused on Gen Z (those born between 1997 and 2012) draws on data from over 20,000 employers and 3 million plan members, providing critical insights shaping the future of Canadians' well-being.\nKey findings from the report:\nOver 50 per cent of Gen Z's long-term disability claims are for mental health disorders, compared to approximately 40 per cent for the overall population.Gen Z antidepressant drug claims grew two times faster than all plan members from 2021-2024.Gen Z men's use of antidepressants increased over 50 per cent from 2021-2024, growing much faster than overall members and outpacing growth among Gen Z women.For Gen Z women specifically, mental health disorders account for over 60 per cent of their long-term disability claims, and they use mental health therapy twice as much as men.Despite the above, more Gen Z men are seeking help than ever before. The growth in Gen Z men's visits to psychologists outpaced Gen Z women, and grew almost twice as fast as overall members.Growth in claims for drugs to treat asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol are two to three times higher among Gen Z employees than other age cohorts.\"Supporting Gen Z is essential for building resi...