The four generations of truckers – Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z – are connected through DNA. You might have a great-grandfather who is a Boomer, a grandfather who belongs to Generation X, a Millennial grandson and a great-grandson Z. Despite being employed in the same field of transportation, each of these generations has experienced different types of diseases.
One could argue that is impossible, especially since they all do the same work, it is important to remember that a lot has changed in the trucking industry. Driving hours, miles, travel time, the type of food offered on the roads, etc., have changed, and affect the health and well-being of truck drivers. Lets take a look at the most common diseases affecting each generation:
Baby Boomers:
• Alzheimers
• Hepatitis C
• Dementia
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
While the Boomers consumed a more natural diet, Gen X welcomed and embraced fast food, which increased their likelihood of getting diseases such as:
• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Muscle aches (from their type of work that requires sitting for many hours).
• Insomnia
• Stress
• High cholesterol
• Obesity
Millennials tend to have the following diseases:
• Depression
• Substance use disorder
• Alcohol use disorder
• Hypertension
• Hyperactivity
• Psychotic conditions
• Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis
• High cholesterol
Similar to the previous two generations, this generation also continues to deal with health conditions like high cholesterol and hypertension, due to different factors, including an unhealthy diet, excessive stress, a sedentary lifestyle, and more.
Finally, Gen Z, or the smartphone generation, relies on their smartphones for everything, from texting to shopping. Excessive smartphone use can result in sleep disorders, lack of physical activity, and loneliness due to reduced social interaction. Other health conditions and diseases affecting Gen Z truckers include the following:
• Mental deteriorarían
• Hyperactivity
• Vision problems
• Depression
• Anxiety
More and more young truck drivers are facing these diseases, which is quite alarming. Yet, we see many drivers glued to their phones and eating fast food on the road almost every day.
All of this, coupled with the fact that their job requires them to sit behind the wheel for hours, can adversely affect their physical and mental health.
That is why its crucial that drivers eat well, exercise, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and visit a doctor for a comprehensive health assessment.