Youngsters' health worse than their parents

London, Jan 17: They should be in the prime of their lives but instead youngsters are in worse health than their parents, a latest survey says.

Binge drinking, bad diet and lack of exercise are taking their toll on those in their twenties and thirties, resulting in migraines, cold or stress compared to the older generation. According to the research, a quarter of those aged between 18 and 34 are three times more likely to have a flu or headache and are almost twice as likely to have high stress levels than people over 55, the Daily Mail reported.

The elderly tend to eat more healthily with regular exercise than their young counterparts.

When it comes to alcohol, 20 per cent of the over-55s don't indulge, while just 10 per cent of those aged 18-34 abstain.

''I have seen a rise in young people suffering from illnesses such as colds, flu and headaches. Long working hours, high stress levels and lack of exercise lead to people getting run-down and ill,'' Chris Steele, a resident doctor said.

''Young people need to ensure they get a minimum of five fruits and vegetables each day and take regular exercise to stay healthy, he stated.

Junk food and ready meals lack the nutrients of meals cooked by people from older generations resulting in various ailments in todays youth.

''Older Britons' conventional meal pattern of meat and two veg is healthier than the younger generation's convenience foods,'' said nutritionist Anita Bean.

''Convenience foods and high-fat snacks are devoid of vital nutrients, leaving people feeling tired, more prone to illness and less able to manage stress,'' she added.

UNI