Survey: Older Workers Have Healthier Diet, Exercise More

A survey conducted by ComPsych Corporation found that 52.2% of workers in their 60s have healthy diets, compared to only 17.7% of employees in their 30s. In addition, employees in their 50s and 60s fared better in level of exercise, outlook on life, social support and stress levels.

Specifically, 27.3% of employees in their 50s exercised more than four days a week, while 19.6% of 30-something workers did so, 82.6$ of workers in their 60s had a very positive outlook on life, compared to 46% of employees in their 30s, and 30.4% of employees in their 60s had high stress levels, while 64.7% of 30-somethings had high stress.

"Our survey showed employees in their 30s were remarkably inactive," said Dr. Richard A. Chaifetz, chairman and CEO of ComPsych....

"Workers in their 30s may be at peak productivity but also at greatest risk for neglecting their health and developing long-term health problems due to poor lifestyle choices," he added. "Corporate wellness programs should be especially attentive to the needs and issues of this age group."

Source: ComPsych Press Release (August 25, 2008)