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76% of Gen Z and 63% of millennials turn to AI for first line of primary healthcare

AFL
  • Aflac's 2026 Wellness Matters survey reveals a "wellness paradox" where health confidence rises while preventive care utilization falls among younger generations.
  • 76% of Gen Z & 63% of millennials use AI for health support before seeking professional medical care, compared to 47% of all Americans.
  • Younger generations spend more on self-care (43% of Gen Z & 39% of millennials spend $100+ monthly) yet are less likely to have a primary care doctor (48% of Gen Z & 58% of millennials).
  • Over 2 in 5 Americans primarily use emergency rooms or urgent care, with usage increasing among Gen Z, Hispanic, African American, & Asian American populations.
  • 65% of Gen Z & 61% of millennials delay or skip routine checkups due to feeling healthy, logistics, long wait times, & cost concerns.
  • Gen Z & millennials trust social media & health influencers significantly more than older generations for health information.
  • 46% of Americans do not know when to begin cancer screenings, & 51% of Gen Z believe a cancer diagnosis is unlikely in their lifetime.
  • Parents & family members remain the top motivators for younger adults to pursue cancer screenings & preventive care.
  • Despite high reliance on digital tools, healthcare professionals remain the most trusted source for definitive & credible health information.
  • The survey was conducted in March 2026 with 2,000 employed U.S. adults aged 18-65 by Kantar Profiles for Aflac Incorporated.