Is Gen Z Aging Faster?

Social media platforms have been buzzing with claims Generation Z (Gen Z) is aging “like milk”, which means faster than previous generations. And while TikTok users keep collecting evidence of how Gen Z looks older than their actual age, experts point out there is no scientific evidence that Gen Z`s biological aging is accelerating. 

However, some factors influence why society has this perception of members of Generation Z's aging. Let's explore them. 

Factors influencing perceptions of Gen Z's aging

Social media influence. The rise of influencers promoting anti-aging products has created unrealistic beauty standards. As a consequence, Gen Z young adults start worrying about their appearance and age-related changes (wrinkles and sagging skin, for example) long before they occur. But these concerns are unfounded. Sun exposure and smoking are major factors in skin aging as dermatologists say, but these are areas where Gen Z is less active than millennials or boomers. Gen Z is good at skincare, much better than other generations.

Cultural trends. Gen Z prefers vintage (as baggy low-rise jeans) and classic outlooks (as oversized blazers), giving them a more mature appearance. They are also beauty treatment enthusiasts, especially fillers, which cause physical changes in their faces, body image distortions and leads to misconceptions about age. 

Lifestyle choices. Poor diet and lack of exercise - are what actually make Generation Z look older. Their regular menu is full of food and drinks causing inflammation - processed and fast foods with high sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats. They spend most of their time virtually and avoid physical activities, even though workouts or other activities are crucial for a healthy, fit, and young body.

Environmental factors. From microplastics to blue light from devices, all can contribute to premature aging. Members of Gen Z growing up in the era of climate change and environmental pollution which isn't helping to look younger. 

The constant explosion of blue light from digital screens negatively affects the skin, changes circadian rhythm, and causes sleep deprivation, decreasing sleep quality and triggering rapid aging. Pollution from air, chemicals, microplastics, and heavy metals contributes to body inflammation and disease risk. 

Psychological factors. Gen Z adults are usually nihilists. Life lacks inherent meaning or purpose for young people, thay do not hope for a better future. Gen Z also is the generation with the highest rates of mental disorders (anxiety and depression, especially), leading to unhealthy coping mechanisms and a disregard for self-care.

Social factors. Gen Z are “kids” with a need for meaningful connections, who yet consciously cut themselves off from them. Their reliance on virtual life makes it difficult for them to build a bond with a community in reality. Which leads to social isolation and awkwardness in real-life interactions.

In a fast-paced world, they carry the burden of having to succeed everywhere, at everything, and all the time. Fierce competition and uncertainty about the future multiply the stress levels for many young adults of Generation Z, which has far-reaching implications for the aging process in their bodies. 

To sum up

Although social media platforms continue to fuel the debate, Generation Z does not biologically age faster than previous generations. Like others, they are susceptible to common factors that affect long-term health and physical condition (like pollution or sedentary lifestyles). 

At the same time, there are several socially and culturally negotiated reasons why members of Gen Z are perceived to look older than their age. And as older generations, we better stop encouraging them with such discussions to chase the "astonishing" beauty standard, and to teach them positively to be attuned to the natural physical changes.