There are good reasons for optimism in considering the future for Gen Zs. They've survived a global pandemic and arguably some of the biggest historical struggles, but they have the opportunity to learn, develop their resilience and bond with others through hard times.
Compared to the 70-year life expectancy of baby boomers and the 85-year life expectancy of Gen X, Gen Z is predicted to have a life expectancy of over 100 years. Major factors contributing to the same are improvements in the standard of living, medical progress, and health consciousness.
Gen Z also faces an unprecedented behavioral health crisis: US Gen Zers surveyed by McKinsey report the least positive outlook and the highest prevalence of mental illness of any generation, and European respondents report struggling with self-stigma.
Generation Z displays striking confidence when it comes to their retirement, according to a recent survey. Not only do Zoomers think they'll retire at 60 on average, according to the survey from Northwestern Mutual, but 2 in 5 of them also expect to live to 100.
Members of the Gen Z years were born between 1997 and 2012. So as of 2023, the Gen Z age range is anywhere from 11 to 26. They are commonly referred to as the first fully “digitally native” generation. They grew up with social media and smartphones—they're used to living in a digital-first world.
Born in 1995-2010, Generation Z will be 30-45 years old and very influential in the business world by 2040. Gen Z's defining characteristics stem from their identity as “digital natives,” meaning they hardly remember a life before the internet.
That is why the generations today each span 15 years with Generation Y (Millennials) born from 1980 to 1994; Generation Z from 1995 to 2009 and Generation Alpha from 2010 to 2024. And so it follows that Generation Beta will be born from 2025 to 2039.
Regardless of youth trends concerning sedentary lifestyles and higher calorie intake, Generation Z will on average outlive their parents, as has been the case with every Australian generation since record keeping began. "This longevity is not without its downsides.
In a 2022 report, the U.S. Census designates Generation Z as "the youngest generation with adult members (born 1997 to 2013)."
Gen Z: Gen Z is the newest generation, born between 1997 and 2012. They are currently between 9 and 24 years old (nearly 68 million in the U.S.) Gen A: Generation Alpha starts with children born in 2012 and will continue at least through 2025, maybe later (approximately 48 million people in the U.S.)
Social media and technology use are major contributors to Gen Z depression. While technology has many advantages, it can also be a source of anxiety and stress. Excessive social media use has been linked to feelings of loneliness, low self-esteem, and depression, according to research.
1. Anxiety and depression: Gen Z experiences high rates of anxiety and depression due to academic pressures, social media comparisons, economic uncertainty, and other stressors.
Gen Z and millennials are leading 'the big quit' in 2023—why nearly 70% plan to leave their jobs.
In addition, 34% of Gen Z say they are worried about the future, and 24% are concerned about a lack of learning and jobs.
It's little wonder why: Gen Z are more likely than other generations to report that the pay they receive for their work does not afford them a good quality of life (26% compared to 20%), and 77% of them are in search of a new job (nearly double the rate of other respondents), per a McKinsey & Company report.
Unlike the previous generation who had fought for "changing the system," the Silent Generation was about "working within the system." They did this by keeping their heads down and working hard, thus earning themselves the "silent" label. Their attitudes leaned toward not being risk-takers and playing it safe.
From a young age, many members of Gen Z have endured life-altering events. COVID-19 and school shootings, among others, have shaped the young generation.
Generation Z (aka Gen Z, iGen, or centennials), refers to the generation that was born between 1997-2012, following millennials. This generation has been raised on the internet and social media, with some of the oldest finishing college by 2020 and entering the workforce.
Gen Xers are a comparatively rare group.
Compared to Baby Boomers (75 million) and Millennials (83 million), Generation X members are outnumbered. Estimates have placed the population at around 65 million.
Young adults are overwhelmingly deciding not to have children as a result of the high cost of living, according to exclusive research commissioned by Newsweek.
Gen Z are primarily the children of Generation X. Their Generation X parents raised Gen Z to be independent and able to figure things out for themselves.
Alpha children are permanently connected. Such is their attention to new technologies that it becomes a way of life. Independents. They are independent when it comes to making their own decisions and managing their digital identities, and they expect their individual needs and preferences to be taken into account.
Generally-speaking, the Alphas are the children of the Millennials (born 1980-1994), the siblings of Gen Z (born 1995-2009) and they'll be the parents of Generation Gamma (born 2040-2054). Generation Beta will follow the Alphas (filling in the years 2025-2039).
Generation Alpha (Gen Alpha for short) is the demographic cohort succeeding Generation Z. Researchers and popular media use the early 2010s as starting birth years and the early-to-mid 2020s as ending birth years (see Date and age range definitions).