Chronic disease drug claims are growing 2-3 times faster for Gen Z. Infact, antidepressant claims grew at double the rate of overall plan members across a three-year span Mental health disorders account for over 60 per cent of long-term disability claims for Gen Z women.
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. The report focuses on Gen Z (those born between 1997 and 2012) and draws on data from over 20,000 employers and 3 million plan members, providing critical insights shaping the future of Canadians’ well-being.
Key findings from the report:
• Over 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 resilient businesses and a stronger future for Canadians,” said Sunlife Health’s Marie-Chantal Côté. “This generation is coming of age in a world shaped by economic uncertainty, climate anxiety and digital overload and it’s clear that they need more than just a paycheque.”
Chronic conditions on the rise
Factors such as climbing obesity rates, sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy diets are impacting the physical health of young Canadians. While the incidence of chronic disease among Gen Z employees is still much lower than that of older employee cohorts, data highlights that the prevalence of chronic disease among young Canadians is rising, and by the time today’s Gen Z employees reach middle age, chronic disease incidence could be significantly greater than today for those aged 40 to 59. The growth rates in chronic disease drug claims reveal a concerning trend:
• Claims for diabetes drugs grew 2-4 times faster among those under the age of 30 compared to those between the ages of 30 and 60 years old.
• Diabetes drug claims for Gen Z women are growing 40 per cent faster than men’s.
Heads up
Creating resilience, especially in the workforce, where much time is spent, starts with education and empowering Gen Z employees to understand the supports available to them and helping them with practical tools and real life supports.
Read the full report at: https://www.sunlife.ca/content/dam/sunlife/regional/canada/documents/gb/the-kids-have-grown-tl1261.pdf
Kylie MacKenzie is an on-staff writer for Rehab & Community Care Medicine.
Image: Sun Life Canada
