Revealed: Why Gen Z think babies born today could live to 150...

One in five young adults think babies born today could live to 150 and many are already experimenting with ice baths, extreme fasting and 'sleepmaxxing' in a bid to extend their own lives.

The survey of more than 2,200 British adults, carried out for the nutrition company Herbalife, found that six in ten (61 per cent) of Gen Z, defined in the research as those aged 18 to 29, are actively taking steps to improve their health with the specific aim of living longer.

For some, even 150 isn't enough. Almost two in five (38 per cent) would choose to live forever if science made it possible, compared with just 15 per cent of Baby Boomers, aged 62 to 80.

And 44 per cent of Gen Z said they would want to know the age at which they will die, more than twice the proportion of Boomers (19 per cent).

The research divided adults into four generations: Gen Z (aged 18 to 29, born roughly between 1997 and 2008), Millennials (30 to 45, born roughly between 1981 and 1996), Gen X (46 to 61, born roughly between 1965 and 1980) and Baby Boomers (62 to 80, born roughly between 1946 and 1964).

Young people are also putting their money where their mouth is. Gen Z spend an average of £111.90 a month on nutrition, exercise, supplements and alternative wellness therapies, 11 per cent more than Millennials and 39 per cent more than Boomers.

Ice baths are among the strategies Gen Z are turning to in a bid to add years to their lives (stock photo) 

The youngest adults are far more likely than older generations to try newer longevity trends. One in five (21 per cent) have tried ice baths or cold-water therapy, compared with just 1 per cent of Boomers.

Some 15 per cent have tried 'sleepmaxxing', optimising their sleep through strict routines, tracking and other techniques, while 13 per cent follow personalised nutrition plans.

But when it comes to more traditional habits, older generations lead the way. Gen X are the most likely to take supplements regularly (39 per cent), followed by Millennials (36 per cent), while only a quarter of Gen Z and Boomers do so.

Overall, supplements were the most popular longevity habit among Britons, used by 31 per cent, followed by fitness or health-tracking devices (21 per cent) and intermittent fasting (11 per cent). Almost half (47 per cent) of Britons said they would take a daily pill or supplement if it could give them another 20 years of life.

Gen Z are also paying close attention to their diets. Almost a third (30 per cent) follow a high-protein diet, while nearly a quarter (23 per cent) track their calories, macros or nutritional intake, and the same proportion practise mindful or intuitive eating.

Social media is a major influence. Among Gen Z who have tried wellbeing practices, 37 per cent were inspired by TikTok and 32 per cent by YouTube, compared with 27 per cent who took inspiration from friends and 20 per cent from family.

More than a third (35 per cent) said they trust the healthy ageing advice they see on social media, yet almost half (46 per cent) said it puts them under pressure to maintain a youthful appearance.

Beneath the enthusiasm lies a deep fear of ageing. Almost half of Gen Z (49 per cent) admitted they are afraid of getting older, and 45 per cent are afraid of looking old. More than a third (36 per cent) said they were more worried about looking old than feeling old, compared with just 16 per cent of Boomers.

Dr Richard Allison, a nutritionist at Herbalife and former head of performance nutrition at Arsenal FC and Tottenham Hotspur Women's FC, said: 'It's exciting to see younger generations taking such a proactive approach to their long-term health and wellbeing, and embracing new ideas around longevity.

'However, while emerging trends like biohacking and recovery therapies are gaining attention, the foundations of a long and healthy life remain consistent – regular movement, balanced nutrition, quality sleep, targeted supplements, and sustainable daily routines.

'The key is finding an approach that blends innovation with these proven basics, creating habits people can realistically maintain over time.'

Opinium surveyed 2,223 UK adults, including a boosted sample of 500 Gen Z adults, between 31 July and 5 August 2026.