Title : Why Emerging Adults Fail to Develop Life-Changing Health Habits
link : Why Emerging Adults Fail to Develop Life-Changing Health Habits
Why Emerging Adults Fail to Develop Life-Changing Health Habits
Emerging adults, individuals aged 18-25 years old, are often faced with many new challenges such as living independently, starting college or a new job, and navigating their social lives. As they enter this new phase of life, they often neglect to develop healthy habits that promote overall well-being. This can include things like regular exercise, healthy eating habits, proper sleep, limited alcohol use, and avoiding smoking. Studies have shown that emerging adults tend to engage in risky behaviors and face high levels of stress, which can lead to negative health outcomes later in life. If steps are not taken to improve health habits during this formative stage of life, it can lead to negative health consequences in the future.
One factor that contributes to the lack of development of health habits in emerging adults is that they prioritize socializing and having fun over their health. Many young adults feel it is important to establish their identity and priorities during this time and having a good time with friends often takes precedent over healthy choices. Additionally, emerging adults often have limited resources such as time and money, which can make healthy choices more difficult. Factors like these can create a culture among emerging adults that prioritize immediate satisfaction over long-term health benefits. As a result, it is important to focus on improving health habits during this developmental stage to promote a healthier future.
Lack Knowledge and Understanding of Health
As emerging adults enter into adulthood, they usually leave their organized life in a dormitory or with their parents. This stage of their life should be a great opportunity for them to establish their own healthy habits, such as eating healthy, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and avoiding harmful substances like smoking. However, studies have shown that emerging adults are less likely to adopt these health-promoting habits than other age groups.
One of the primary reasons emerging adults fail to develop these habits is due to a lack of knowledge and understanding of health. Even though they have been exposed to the concept of health throughout their lives, many emerging adults do not fully understand the importance of establishing healthy habits. For instance, they may understand that fast food is not as healthy as other foods, but they may not realize that it can lead to serious health consequences like obesity and heart disease.
Another reason is that emerging adults often underestimate the effects of unhealthy behaviors or overestimate their own health status. They may believe that they are invincible and that their body can handle anything. This belief can run counter to their healthy living, making them more inclined to participate in risky health behaviors, such as binge drinking, smoking, and even drug use. For example, one study found that many emerging adults are more likely to smoke or experiment with drugs than older adults because they do not understand the long-term impact of these behaviors.
Moreover, emerging adults often lack access to reliable health information. They may rely on friends or social media to attain information on health habits, which can be inaccurate and unreliable. The internet is full of health-related information. However, it can be difficult to know what sources of information are trustworthy. As a result, emerging adults may be exposed to misleading or conflicting information about healthy living practices.
In conclusion, emerging adults need to be adequately informed and educated about a healthy lifestyle to adopt the right habit patterns. The lack of knowledge and understanding regarding health promotion has led many emerging adults to engage in unhealthy behaviors that can lead to chronic health issues and challenges throughout their adult life. By providing necessary knowledge and information, emerging adults can develop healthy habits and patterns that will serve them well throughout their life.
Have Busy Schedules and Limited Time
Emerging adulthood is a stage of life marked by numerous changes, including moving out of the family home, starting or finishing college, beginning a career, and forming new social relationships. Unfortunately, it's also a time when people fail to develop health-promoting habits. This is due in part to the fact that emerging adults often have busy schedules and limited time.
One of the main factors contributing to a lack of health-promoting habits is the high demands placed on emerging adults. College students in particular often struggle with balancing academic demands, extracurricular activities, jobs, and social lives. These pressures can lead to a lack of time for healthy activities like exercise and meal planning. In fact, studies have shown that young adults are more likely to eat fast food or skip meals altogether due to time constraints.
Another issue that affects emerging adults is the tendency to prioritize work over health. For many young adults, starting their careers is a top priority. This often means working long hours, skipping meals, and neglecting exercise regimens. The pressure to succeed in their careers can be so intense that it can lead to burnout and other health problems.
Emerging adults may also struggle to establish healthy sleep habits. Late nights studying or socializing, coupled with early morning classes or work schedules, can lead to irregular sleep patterns. This can have significant negative effects on health, including weakened immune systems and increased risk of obesity.
Despite these challenges, it is possible for emerging adults to develop healthy habits. Making small changes, such as incorporating exercise into a daily routine, planning meals in advance, and prioritizing sleep, can have a significant impact on overall health. It's also important to recognize that achieving a healthy lifestyle is not an all-or-nothing endeavor. Even small steps, such as choosing to walk instead of drive, can make a positive difference.
Ultimately, the key to developing health-promoting habits as an emerging adult is to recognize the importance of making time for one's own health. While it may seem difficult in the midst of a busy schedule, investing in one's own health will pay dividends in the long run.
Struggle with Consistency and Motivation
Emerging adults, or those in the age range of 18-25, fail to develop health promoting habits because they struggle with consistency and motivation. They often lack the ability to stick to healthy routines, which leads to inconsistent behaviors that negatively impact their health.
One reason for this struggle is the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Emerging adults are experiencing newfound independence and are often living on their own for the first time. The freedom that comes with this can make it difficult to establish a consistent routine, as they may prioritize social activities and other interests over developing healthy habits. This can lead to a lack of motivation and adherence to a consistent schedule, making it difficult to maintain healthy lifestyle behaviors.
Emerging adults are also often in the midst of a transitional period, such as starting a new job or moving to a new city. These types of changes can disrupt routines, making it challenging to establish and maintain healthy habits. For example, starting a new job with irregular hours may make it difficult to stick to a regular exercise routine, which can lower motivation to continue.
In addition, emerging adults often lack the necessary skills to overcome barriers to consistency and motivation. For instance, they might lack knowledge of healthy habits, or may have ineffective goal-setting strategies. Without these skills, it can be hard for them to maintain motivation over time.
Lastly, a lack of social support can also contribute to struggles with consistency and motivation. Emerging adults might be surrounded by peers who engage in unhealthy habits or whose lifestyle priorities do not align with theirs. This can make it difficult to maintain healthy behaviors and stay motivated to do so.
In conclusion, emerging adults struggle with consistency and motivation when developing health promoting habits. The challenges associated with the transition to adulthood, disruptions to routine, a lack of necessary skills, and a lack of social support can all hinder efforts to build healthy habits. Addressing these challenges by encouraging consistent routines and healthy behaviors, providing education and support for goal-setting, and promoting social support can help support the development of healthy habits in emerging adults.
Face Social and Peer Pressure
Emerging adults, aged between 18-25 years old, are susceptible to numerous social and peer pressures. In their pursuit of social conformity and acceptance, young adults may compromise their health by engaging in unhealthy habits such as eating junk food, smoking, and binge drinking.
Peer pressure is one of the primary drivers of emerging adults' vulnerability to unhealthy habits. Young adults are more likely to adopt undesirable health behaviors to fit into their social circles. When a group of individuals engages in unhealthy activities, such as excessive alcohol intake and smoking, the pressure on an individual to conform to unhealthy norms is much more significant. In many cases, these habits persist into adulthood, leading to long-term health consequences.
Social pressure, such as the portrayal of ideal body types on social media and other platforms, can exacerbate emerging adults' unhealthy habits. Social media sensationalizes unhealthy habits by promoting fad diets and diet pills that offer quick fixes to weight problems. The constant desire for likes, comments, and views on social media has pushed many emerging adults towards dangerous and potentially deadly behaviors, such as eating disorders and excessive exercise.
The role of parents, caregivers, and social institutions cannot be overstated in helping emerging adults break free from harmful habits. Parents should educate their children on the importance of healthy living and model healthy habits themselves. Caregivers should also work hard to create a healthy and conducive environment for emerging adults to develop healthy habits. Furthermore, social institutions such as schools, churches, and youth groups should offer constructive activities to help young adults develop healthy habits and interact positively with similar peers.
In conclusion, social and peer pressure pose significant challenges to emerging adults in their development of health-promoting habits. The constant desire for social acceptance pushes young adults to engage in unhealthy habits that often carry over to adulthood and can lead to significant health problems. By working closely with parents, caregivers, and institutions, emerging adults can be encouraged to develop and maintain healthy habits for long and robust lives.
Rely on Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms
Emerging adults, defined as individuals between the ages of 18-29, often struggle with the transition into adulthood and the development of health-promoting habits. One major contributing factor is the reliance on unhealthy coping mechanisms.
Stress is a common experience for emerging adults, with factors such as education, career development, and relationship changes all playing a role. However, instead of utilizing healthy coping mechanisms like exercise or meditation, many turn to unhealthy options such as alcohol and drugs. According to a study by the American Psychological Association, emerging adults are more likely to binge drink than any other age group, with 38% of college-aged students reporting binge drinking at least once a month. Additionally, drug use is also prevalent among emerging adults, with marijuana being the most commonly used illicit drug.
Another unhealthy coping mechanism is the use of food as a means of comfort. Emerging adults may indulge in unhealthy, high-calorie foods as a means of coping with stress or emotions. However, this behavior can lead to negative consequences in the long run, such as weight gain and increased risk of health issues such as heart disease and diabetes.
In addition to unhealthy coping mechanisms related to substance use and food, emerging adults may also turn to technology as a means of escape. Social media platforms and endless hours of screen time can provide temporary relief from stress and anxiety, but can also contribute to feelings of isolation and disconnection. The constant need to check notifications and keep up with social media feeds can also contribute to a lack of sleep and poor overall health.
Furthermore, emerging adults may also rely on avoidance as a coping mechanism. This can include avoiding necessary tasks such as paying bills or cleaning, or avoiding confrontation with others. While avoidance may provide temporary relief, it ultimately contributes to feelings of overwhelm and can result in negative consequences such as financial issues or damaged relationships.
To combat reliance on unhealthy coping mechanisms, emerging adults must develop healthy habits and coping strategies. This includes practicing stress-reducing activities such as yoga or mindfulness meditation, engaging in regular exercise, and seeking support from friends or mental health professionals when necessary. Instead of turning to substances or unhealthy behaviors as a means of coping, finding healthy outlets can lead to better overall health and well-being for emerging adults.
Prioritize Instant Gratification over Long-term Health
Emerging adults, who are those aged between 18 to 29 years, seem to have a hard time developing health-promoting habits. A common reason why many emerging adults fail to form healthy habits is that they prioritize instant gratification over long-term health. Immediate satisfaction in the form of sugary treats, high-calorie foods, and electronic devices often clouds their judgment and makes it difficult for them to form healthy habits that would benefit them in the long run.
One of the main reasons for this prioritization of instant gratification is the addictive nature of the instant rewards that come with unhealthy habits. Emerging adults get hooked onto sugary or high-fat foods, electronics, and other sedentary activities such as binge-watching, scrolling through social media feeds, and playing video games. Thus, developing habits that promote long-term health becomes challenging.
The need for instant gratification is also fueled by societal changes, which emphasize the importance of achieving results in a short period. This could be in the form of getting a job, earning money, or gaining popularity on social media platforms. Emerging adults tend to forget about the importance of developing lifelong healthy habits in the rush for instant results. They overlook the fact that good health is necessary to enjoy these short-term gains over a lifetime and often end up enduring the negative consequences of unhealthy habits.
Additionally, the lack of knowledge on the importance of maintaining long-term health and well-being may drive emerging adults towards achieving instant gratification without a second thought. Many are not aware of the negative consequences of unhealthy habits and may believe that they can indulge in unhealthy habits without any repercussions, leading to a failure to cultivate healthy behaviors.
The social environment also plays a significant role in shaping health-promoting habits. Peer pressure and social norms encourage emerging adults to engage in unhealthy behaviors such as drinking alcohol, smoking, or drug use. These behaviors may provide instant satisfaction but are harmful in the long run, leading to a failure to prioritize long-term health.
Emerging adults can cultivate healthy habits by finding a balance between short-term gratification and long-term goals. Prioritizing long-term goals, such as a healthy work-life balance, investing in relationships, and developing healthy habits, can help them overcome the lure of instant gratification. Developing a routine with healthy habits such as daily exercise, a balanced diet, and proper sleep patterns goes a long way in prioritizing long-term health. Seeking the guidance of experts, such as nutritionists and health professionals, can also help them make informed decisions about their health.
In Conclusion, emerging adults often prioritize instant gratification over long-term health, leading to a failure to cultivate healthy behaviors. The addictive nature of instant rewards, societal changes, lack of knowledge, and the social environment are major contributors to this behavior. Cultivating healthy habits is essential for long-term health, and emerging adults need to find a balance between short-term gratification and long-term goals to promote their overall well-being.
Have Limited Access to Affordable and Nutritious Food
Emerging adults often fail to develop healthy eating habits because they have limited access to affordable and nutritious food. Food insecurity is a serious issue for emerging adults, as they are generally in a transitional period and may not have a stable income or living situation. This can lead to a reliance on unhealthy, processed foods, which are often cheaper and more readily available.
The cost of nutritious food is a significant barrier to healthy eating for many emerging adults. Fresh fruits and vegetables can be expensive, and processed foods such as fast food and frozen dinners are often more affordable. Additionally, many emerging adults live in food deserts, which are areas with limited access to grocery stores and other sources of healthy food.
Limited access to healthy food can have serious consequences for emerging adults' health. A diet high in processed and unhealthy foods can lead to obesity, diabetes, and other chronic health problems. Emerging adults who lack access to nutritious foods are also at a higher risk of developing mental health issues, as a poor diet can exacerbate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Efforts to address food insecurity among emerging adults are crucial for promoting healthy eating habits. One potential solution is to increase access to affordable and nutritious food through community-based initiatives such as farmers' markets and community gardens. These programs can provide fresh fruits and vegetables at reduced prices, making healthy eating more accessible for those with limited resources.
Another way to address food insecurity is to increase education around healthy eating habits. Many emerging adults may not understand the importance of a healthy diet or how to choose nutritious foods. Providing information on healthy eating and how to prepare healthy meals on a budget can help emerging adults develop the knowledge and skills they need to make healthy choices.
Finally, policymakers can play a role in addressing food insecurity by promoting policies that support healthy eating. This might include initiatives to increase access to nutritious food in low-income areas and subsidies for healthy food options. Some cities have already implemented policies such as soda taxes and nutrition standards for school meals to promote healthy eating habits.
In conclusion, emerging adults often struggle to develop healthy eating habits because they have limited access to affordable and nutritious food. However, efforts to increase access to healthy food, promote education around healthy eating, and implement policies to support healthy eating habits can help address this issue and promote better health outcomes for all.
Engage in Negative Health Behaviors during Times of Stress or Transition
Emerging adulthood is a time of significant changes, transitions, and emotional stressors. As individuals move from adolescence to young adulthood, they experience various events, such as starting college, entering the workforce, and forming new relationships. Subsequently, this period could lead to a range of emotions, including anxiety, depression, and social isolation, which in turn influence health behaviors.
During times of stress or transition, emerging adults tend to engage in negative health behaviors. For instance, many tend to develop poor eating habits, such as skipping meals or overeating, leading to unhealthy weight fluctuations. They are also more likely to engage in binge drinking, tobacco usage, and other harmful habits to cope with stress rather than practicing healthy coping mechanisms.
Studies show that emerging adults who experience depression tend to develop unhealthy eating habits. They tend to eat more high-density foods, such as candy, chips, and fast food. They are also more likely to skip breakfast and fail to adhere to a balanced diet, leading to weight gain, obesity and other related diseases. Moreover, research shows that social isolation and lack of social support systems during transition are also associated with unhealthy eating patterns and negative health behaviors.
Emotional stressors also influence emerging adults to engage in smoking and binge drinking. A study by the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) found that young adults aged 18 to 25 years are more likely to binge drink than any other age group. They also report a high rate of heavy drinking, which often leads to alcohol-related health problems such as liver disease, high blood pressure, and various forms of cancer. Stress-related smoking among emerging adults also increases the risk of respiratory pathogens, heart disease, and lung cancer.
Emerging adults should develop healthy coping mechanisms to deal with various transitions and stressors. These coping mechanisms include regular exercise, positive self-talk, healthy eating habits, relaxation techniques, and engaging in social activities with friends and family. Moreover, young adults should educate themselves on the dangers and consequences of negative health behaviors. Mental health and counseling services should also be readily available for those experiencing difficult times.
In conclusion, emerging adults transition into young adulthood with various changes, transitions, and emotional stressors. These challenges often lead to negative health behaviors, which could lead to chronic diseases and other health problems. Developing effective coping mechanisms and seeking adequate support can help lessen the risk of negative health behavior development during transition and stressful times.
Lack Affordable and Accessible Healthcare
Emerging adults often struggle to develop health promoting habits due to the lack of affordable and accessible healthcare. Many emerging adults are aging out of their parents' health insurance and cannot afford to purchase their own. This means that preventative care, such as regular check-ups and health screenings, become too expensive for them to access. Without access to preventative care, emerging adults may not catch health issues before they become more serious problems that require more expensive medical treatment.
The lack of affordable healthcare also affects the treatment of chronic conditions. Emerging adults who have chronic health conditions, such as asthma or diabetes, may have difficulty affording the necessary medications, which can lead to worsening health. This creates a vicious cycle where they may avoid seeking medical treatment altogether, because they cannot afford the cost of medication and other treatments.
Even when emerging adults can afford healthcare, they may not be able to access it due to a lack of healthcare providers in their area. Rural areas, in particular, often have a shortage of healthcare providers, making it difficult for those living in those areas to receive routine medical care.
Another barrier to accessing healthcare is the lack of transportation. Emerging adults may not have a vehicle or be able to afford public transportation to get to medical appointments. This can lead to missed appointments and delayed treatment.
The lack of healthcare education also plays a role in emerging adults failing to develop health promoting habits. Many emerging adults may not know how to navigate the healthcare system, how to find healthcare providers, or how to understand their health insurance coverage. This can lead to confusion and frustration, making them less likely to seek medical care when they need it.
Solutions to these healthcare accessibility issues include expanding Medicaid and decreasing the cost of healthcare for young adults. Implementing telehealth options and mobile clinics can also increase access to healthcare for those in rural areas, and offering transportation assistance for medical appointments can help those who lack transportation. Providing healthcare education and resources can also empower emerging adults to become more informed healthcare consumers.
The lack of affordable and accessible healthcare is a significant barrier for emerging adults when it comes to developing health promoting habits. Addressing this issue can lead to better health outcomes and a more health-conscious generation.
Deal with Mental Health Issues that Affect Physical Health Habits
Emerging adulthood marks a transitional stage where individuals experience various challenges, including mental health issues that significantly affect their physical health habits. Mental health is essential to an individual's overall wellbeing, and developing health-promoting habits is crucial to maintain good health and prevent chronic illnesses. Unfortunately, emerging adults often struggle to develop healthy habits due to their mental health issues.
Depression, anxiety, and stress are common mental health issues that affect emerging adults and lead to poor health habits. Depression can lead to a lack of energy and motivation, making it challenging to engage in physical activity or maintain a healthy diet. Individuals affected by depression often resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as binge eating, drinking, or smoking, to alleviate their negative emotions, further worsening their physical health. Anxiety and stress can lead to poor sleep patterns, which affect an individual's cognitive and physical functions, and a chronic lack of sleep leads to multiple health issues.
Poor mental health also leads to social isolation and a lack of social support, which negatively affects an individual's physical health habits. Emerging adult's fear of judgement and rejection may cause them to avoid socializing, leading to a lack of social support essential for developing healthy habits, such as exercising or following a balanced diet. When individuals lack social support, they often resort to unhealthy habits, such as binge drinking or drug abuse, leading to further deterioration of their physical health.
The stigma surrounding mental health issues often prevents emerging adults from seeking professional help, making their mental health issues worse, leading to poorer physical health habits. Lack of access to resources and information regarding mental health and physical health habits is another significant barrier that emerging adults face in developing healthy habits.
To overcome mental health issues that affect physical health habits, emerging adults must prioritize their mental health and seek professional help when needed. They must create strong social support networks to help them develop healthy habits and avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms. Adapting healthy coping mechanisms, such as mindfulness and meditation for anxiety and stress or exercise and healthy diet for depression, can also significantly improve an individual's physical health habits and overall wellbeing.
In conclusion, emerging adults face significant challenges in developing health-promoting habits due to their mental health issues. Raising awareness about the importance of mental health and its impact on physical health is essential in helping emerging adults understand how mental health issues can influence their physical health habits. Empowering emerging adults with resources and support necessary to manage their mental health and develop healthy habits is crucial for their overall wellbeing.
In conclusion, emerging adults have a difficult time developing health-promoting habits because of various factors like peer pressure, lack of time, and stress. However, it is important for everyone to prioritize their health as early as possible to prevent any long-term complications. If you are an emerging adult, it's never too late to start taking small steps towards a healthier lifestyle. Thanks for reading, and visit again later for more articles on healthy living!
Sumber Referensi:
- Nelson, M. C., Story, M., Larson, N. I., Neumark-Sztainer, D., & Lytle, L. A. (2008). Emerging adulthood and college-aged youth: An overlooked age for weight-related behavior change. Obesity, 16(10), 2205-2211.
- Arnett, J. J. (2000). Emerging adulthood: A theory of development from the late teens through the twenties. American psychologist, 55(5), 469-480.
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