Young adult health is changing—and not always in good ways.
Discover why young adults are avoiding preventive care and what Gen Z and Millennials need to know about the silent risks behind ignoring health checkups.
Preventive Care vs Young Adults Health
Meet Kamsi and Tobi, two 24-year-olds in Lagos, sharing a smoothie bowl and gossiping about Instagram trends when the topic of health popped up.
“So, you’ve done your annual checkup this year?”
Tobi snorted. “Annual what? Bro, I only see hospitals in movies.”
They both laughed, but Kamsi paused. Her mum had just been diagnosed with high blood pressure, and her older brother had recently been told his cholesterol was too high. “Maybe we should go,” she said.
“Go where?” Tobi raised an eyebrow.
“To, you know… a doctor.”
“You know I haven’t even registered at a clinic? My last health check was JAMB medicals.”
Preventive Care Gen Z Keeps Ignoring—Until It’s Too Late
A week later, Kamsi convinced Tobi to follow her to a private hospital.
The waiting room was sterile and cold, but the young doctor they met was anything but.
“Most young adults wait until something is seriously wrong before they come in,” Dr. Onome said, flipping through Tobi’s basic intake form. “But prevention? That’s where real healthcare begins.”
“But I feel fine,” Tobi said.
Dr. Onome smiled. “That’s the point. Many things—like hypertension, prediabetes, even some cancers—don’t show symptoms until they’ve already done damage.”
Studies show that over 60% of young adult health concerns could be prevented or better managed with early checkups.
But digital-first lifestyles, hustle culture, and medical distrust have led Gen Z and Millennials to deprioritize their own bodies.
Digital Health Trends vs. Real-Life Doctors: What’s Missing?
Gen Z is the most internet-savvy generation ever. From tracking steps to googling symptoms, they know their way around digital health.
“I have five health apps,” Kamsi admitted.
“But have you ever talked to a real doctor?” Dr. Onome asked.
Apps are great for data, but not for diagnosis. Digital health trends often give a false sense of control—like having the tools but not the training to use them. And TikTok doesn’t replace lab results.
This is where young adult health takes a dangerous turn: many rely on tech to replace conversations with professionals.
Worse still, misinformation online can delay treatment or create unnecessary fear.
Mental Health Checkups Matter Too
Another problem? Young adult health isn’t just physical.
Tobi hesitated as they filled out the mental wellness form.
“I’m not crazy,” he muttered.
Dr. Onome didn’t flinch. “Mental checkups are like oil changes. They prevent breakdowns.”
In a world full of burnout, anxiety, and social media pressure, preventive care must include mental health. Especially when many Gen Zers report feeling overwhelmed, directionless, or constantly tired.
Just like physical symptoms, emotional signs are often ignored. If you’re skipping sleep, constantly tired, zoning out, or suddenly withdrawing, those are signs—not personality quirks.
And early mental health care can prevent lifelong struggles.
The Risks Young Adults Can’t Afford to Ignore
Here’s what young adult health checkups actually screen for:
- High blood pressure
- Blood sugar levels (diabetes risk)
- Cholesterol levels
- Reproductive health (including STIs)
- Mental health and stress levels
- Hormonal imbalances
Yet many Gen Zers are under the false impression that these are “older people problems.”
Wrong.
In fact, early-onset hypertension is rising among young Africans. PCOS and endometriosis are being diagnosed earlier than ever.
And lifestyle diseases are creeping into younger demographics thanks to fast food, sedentary jobs, and anxiety-laced lives.
Kamsi’s results came back borderline high blood pressure. Tobi had low vitamin D and undiagnosed anxiety.
“Nothing life-threatening,” Dr. Onome said. “But definitely things we can manage.”
Rewriting the Narrative: Gen Z, You Have the Power
Young adult health can be transformed—but it starts with a mindset shift.
Checkups are not punishments. They’re not for “old people.” They are tools for freedom, productivity, and peace of mind.
Gen Z is leading revolutions in every space—tech, fashion, culture. Why not lead one in wellness too?
Normalize:
- Scheduling annual checkups
- Asking for lab work
- Talking about mental health with friends
- Building a personal health record
Let’s stop glorifying hustle and start prioritizing rest. Let’s make self-awareness cool again. Let’s teach each other that the doctor’s office is not a place to fear—but a place to grow.
Like Tobi said on the way out: “Honestly, I didn’t know it could be that chill.”
And like Kamsi added: “If you can tweet 5 times a day, you can book a checkup.”
Final Thoughts: Health Is the New Hustle
The real flex in 2025? Catching the problem before it catches you.
Young adult health isn’t just about curing—it’s about caring early. And caring consistently.
So if you’ve been putting it off—start now. Book that checkup. Ask the questions. Start the journey. Your future self will thank you.
The true value of young adult health lies not in reacting to illness, but in creating habits that build long-term wellness. Imagine a world where Gen Zers and Millennials view clinics like co-working spaces: places where your goals are supported, your questions are valid, and your future is being invested in.
It’s time to deconstruct the fear and shame tied to healthcare. It’s time to address the distrust—whether rooted in past trauma, inaccessible costs, or the general “I’ll be fine” mindset. Healthcare shouldn’t be a last resort. It should be a part of your lifestyle, just like gym memberships or Spotify subscriptions.
And to medical providers? It’s time to meet young people halfway. Build trust. Simplify processes. Speak in relatable terms. Respect the lived experiences of Gen Z and Millennials. Because if young people don’t feel seen, they won’t show up.
So here’s your challenge: open your calendar, pick a date, and commit to that overdue health visit. Bring a friend. Turn it into a wellness date. Then talk about it—online, offline, wherever your voice matters.
Health isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence.
And in this generation of remixers, trendsetters, and changemakers, the most radical thing you can do is care.
Start today.
