Millennial Trends that are Shaping the Future

In a rapidly changing world driven by modern technology, millennial’s are leading the way. These young adults blaze new trails in every area of life, from how they spend their money to the way they prefer to work to their approach to health and wellness. As these lifestyle trends continue to evolve, the businesses that serve young adults are evolving, too. If you’re wondering what types of lifestyle trends 2018 has in store — led by forward-thinking millennial’s — keep reading.

Healthy Living

photo by Chris Hayashi

As disheartening statistics about the prevalence of obesity, heart disease and other lifestyle-related ailments continue to come to light, young adults have taken it upon themselves to move toward a healthier future. They’re abandoning some of the long-instilled unhealthy habits of those who came before them and are opting instead to try new fitness classes, get outdoors for hikes and embrace other methods for obtaining all-over wellness.

Millennials are exercising more. They make it a daily priority to get to the gym or head outside for a run. They’re also integrating new technology into their pursuit, often enlisting training apps or devices like FitBits to help them track their fitness. They’re also concerned about avoiding unhealthy habits in other areas of their lives.

One survey found that 83% of high school seniors disapproved of smoking one or more packs of cigarettes per day in 2013, versus 69% of 12^th graders who were asked the same question in 1998. As a result, healthier alternatives are enjoying a moment in the limelight. Instead of puffing on cigarettes or e-cigarettes, many millennials opt to vape instead.

Foodie Fund

photo by Lily Lvnatikk

When you look at the sharp spike in the number of meals enjoyed at a restaurant versus at home, it’s obvious that millennials are driving a trend toward enjoying different types of cuisine. Whereas the rate of going out to eat in 1970 hovered around 30%, today, that rate of dining out has increased to 43.5%. And it’s not just that people are eating out more. They’re also changing the landscape of the food service industry by clamoring for healthier options that fit into a hectic schedule.

More and more restaurant chains are popping up that offer healthier versions of fast-casual food — and they’re a far cry from your old-school burger joint. These eateries offer up dishes like Hawaiian poke, burrito bowls and build-your-own salads. Most of the eats are ready in a matter of minutes, which means you don’t have to sacrifice your time in order to enjoy a healthy meal.

Millennials are eating healthier at home, too. In fact, they consume 52% more veggies than older generations. These young adults also happen to comprise 52% of the population that buys organic food, according to the Organic Trade Association. So even as millennials continue to go out to eat, they’re still sticking to a healthier lifestyle than Gen X-ers and Baby Boomers.

Financial Inclinations

photo by Maher El Aridi

Whereas older generations spend more money on things, millennials prefer experiences. About 79% of them spend most on eating out and 73% say they like to spend their paycheck on seeing live concerts or sporting events. Comparatively, less than 70% of Gen X-ers and less than 60% of Baby Boomers spend most of their money in these categories.

Even retailers are adapting the way they market to this new generation. Since the majority of young adults prefer to splurge on experiences versus things, retail stores are trying to cultivate a shopping experience, not just a shopping venue. This is manifesting in lots of unique ways, like group “girlfriend” fitting rooms equipped with TVs and couches and distinct sections of stores that are only concerned with health and wellness.

Workplace Preferences

photo by raw pixel

Millennial’s also work differently than those who came before them, which is why the landscape of many different vocational fields have also changed to keep up. For one thing, young adults don’t love formal meetings, which can squash creativity. Instead, they prefer to meet up for casual huddles and brainstorming sessions.

Younger employees are also concerned more about collaborating with their peers as opposed to putting on stiff presentations. They’d rather engage with their cohorts in a meaningful way and find efficient, interesting solutions to problems. And, perhaps most importantly, millennials don’t really feel the need for a formal office. With laptops, tablets and Wi-Fi, they can work anywhere — home, a coffee shop, even while exploring a different country.

With the younger generation driving so much change in the world, there’s no end in sight for these lifestyle trends. But you can expect the trends to evolve and grow as technology continues to change and millennial’s embrace its new offerings. So keep an eye on the ways that young adults shape the future of the culinary world, the workplace and the retail sphere in the coming years.