Millennial women care more about their health than boomers: poll

People always advise others to “trust their gut,” but it turns out that the younger generation knows more about how to take care of themselves than their elders do

OnePoll and Culturelle Probiotics surveyed 2,000 women from different generations on how in-tune they felt about their health.

While many women felt knowledgeable about their immune (67%), mental (64%) and physical health (64%), the results differed across generations.

It turns out millennial women (75%) felt more in the know about their immune health than baby boomers (39%).

Sixty percent of women said they “always” or “often” think about their immune health, while millennials are more likely to think about it compared to boomers (67% vs. 39%).

The same is true for vaginal health as millennials (63%) are more likely to think about it than boomers (29%).

Only two out of 10 women knew that most of their immune system resides in their gut while 47% knew physical fitness could affect digestive health.

About half of women correctly noted that genetics (52%), smoking and alcohol consumption (51%) and stress (50%) could affect immune health. However, only 40% were aware that one’s occupation could also play a role.

“The same factors that can disrupt your gut health — such as stress, your period, diet and sex — can also affect vaginal bacteria and immune health,” said Lisa Oliveira, senior brand manager for Culturelle Probiotics.

Some women — 35% to be exact — said they rely on n women’s health magazines for information, while 39% said they trust their physician or gynecologist.

When it comes to knowing what is good for their bodies, the average woman said she learn how to best support their health — including her immune, digestive and feminine health — at age 31.

The study also found that 38% of women thought immune systems are the same regardless of gender. However, some studies — including from the Stanford University School of Medicine — have deemed that to be incorrect.