Latest news with #OxfordLongevityProject
New York Post
2 days ago
- Health
- New York Post
An ancient Japanese sex scroll's instructions could extend your life — plus a 3/10 climax rule for men
Could a 1,000-year-old Japanese text hold the key to longevity and the secrets of sex medicine? For centuries, the Imperial Family of Japan and its physicians have preserved the 30 precious volumes that comprise the Ishinhō, or the 'heart of medical prescription.' These scrolls provide a holistic approach to staying alive — and getting it on — with remedies drawn exclusively from the holy trinity of herbs, nutrition and sexual healing. Advertisement 5 The overarching theme of the Ishinhō is the belief that all of the body's systems are interrelated in what scholar Denis Noble calls 'an integrated communicative system.' Scroll 28, specifically, includes instructions for the creation and preservation of jingqi (the life force) through sexual energy and expression. The overarching theme of the Ishinhō is the belief that all the body's systems are interrelated in what scholar Denis Noble calls 'an integrated communicative system.' And longevity science suggests the ancients were on to something with their sex medicine. Advertisement To replenish cells, DNA has to be copied into new cells. Each strand of woven DNA is capped with something called a telomere, and each time the DNA replicates to produce new cells, those telomeres get shorter. Researchers use the length of telomeres to measure biological age and have long believed that activating them can help turn back the clock. 5 Longevity expert Leslie Kenny is the founder of Oxford Healthspan. instagram/lesliesnewprime Advertisement 'All we need to do is find something that activates telomeres,' Leslie Kenny, founder of Oxford Healthspan and co-founder of the Oxford Longevity Project, told The Post. 'Well, one of those things is sexual intimacy,' she continued. 'And it's that meditative state that couples can get into when they entrain breath, heartbeat and eye gaze. That actually increases the telomeres.' Kenny noted that sexual intimacy also increases oxytocin, the anti-inflammatory bonding hormone. Advertisement 'Oxytocin reduces an inflammatory marker called IL-6, and it will support wound healing and immune function,' she said. 'So these are all things we want.' Stress is another saboteur in the fight against aging and a direct contributor to and amplifier of myriad diseases. The good news? Sex is an effective de-stressor. 'We can use sexual intimacy as a way to better regulate our emotions,' Kenny said. 'Physical affection triggers a release of endorphins, dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin, all of which contribute to emotional bonding, elevated mood and lower inflammation.' 5 While sex is thought to be a near-universal curative kink, the health benefits tied to ejaculatory frequency are up for debate. New Africa – For the male contingent, Kenny cited a 1997 British Medical Journal study that examined the frequency of sexual intercourse and lifespan of 900 men aged 45–59. Those with the highest frequency of orgasms had a 50% lower premature mortality rate. Advertisement While sex is thought to be a near-universal curative kink, the health benefits tied to ejaculatory frequency are up for debate. Some evidence has linked higher ejaculation frequency to a lower prostate cancer risk, but other research didn't draw the same conclusions. For its part, Ishinhō Scroll 28 recommends limiting ejaculation, suggesting that excessive emission of sperm can deplete a man's life force and lead to premature aging, There is a long-held Taoist belief that keeping sperm in a closed circuit by abstaining from ejaculation allows the energy contained in the swimmers to be redistributed into the body. Advertisement 5 The health benefits of semen retention are still being explored. Pixel-Shot – Indeed, some Taoist teachers recommend that men only ejaculate 20 to 30% of the time they engage in intercourse, roughly two or three times out of every 10 sex sessions. There's no definitive scientific evidence about the health benefits of semen retention or the decidedly less scientific-sounding 'blue balls.' Advertisement Kenny believes that ejaculation can deplete precious resources — and that semen retention can be rejuvenating. 'When a man ejaculates, he actually will deplete his body of testosterone, what the Eastern sages have called a 'man's essence.' There have been studies done that show that immediately after ejaculation, a man will lose testosterone,' Kenny explained in a YouTube video. 'The more that this happens, the more his testosterone levels drop. Another thing he will lose is spermidine.' Spermidine — a naturally occurring compound found in all living organisms — plays a key role in slowing aging, protecting against disease and reducing inflammation by activating autophagy, a process that eliminates damaged cell parts. Advertisement 5 A 2018 study revealed that spermidine improved cardiovascular function in mice, leading to improved health and expanded lifespan. Alexander Raths – 'Sperm also include vitamin C, magnesium, glutathione, which is the body's master antioxidant, and zinc,' Kenny said. 'There are a lot of important minerals and antioxidants that the man is losing, so he needs to top up with these other things to replenish.' To practice saving your masculine essence, Kenny suggests a combination of willpower, breathing techniques and butt-muscle clenching to circumvent ejaculation and fuel an internal orgasm. Better yet, adhering to the practice can help men build up to the ever-elusive multiple male orgasm, Kenny said. For gentlemen who prefer to top up rather than hold off, Kenny recommends consuming food rich in antioxidants, especially avocados, leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage. 'You can supplement with B12, vitamin C, zinc and liposomal glutathione,' she added. 'You can also supplement with spermadine, or you can get it in your diet from things like a fermented soy bean called natto, wheat germ and peas.'
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
My friends died in the Shoreham air crash – so I turned my life around
Reinvention is more than just a positive lifestyle choice; it's a necessity as society changes. The traditional three-stage life model — education, work, retirement – has been replaced by the 'multistage' life. The job for life has gone out of the window. It's time to embrace the many versions of you. Take Angela Rippon. The 80 year old has had a six decade-long career in journalism and broadcasting, full of twists and turns – and including a memorable turn on Strictly Come Dancing. One of the most searched terms about her is 'Can Angela Rippon really still do the splits?' Yes she can – and if like her you want to 'stay young until the day you die', you may need to reinvent yourself along the way. Leslie Kenny, a longevity expert from the Oxford Longevity Project, explains that there is evidence to prove that reinvention is a powerful tool for a healthier, longer life. 'It reawakens curiosity, builds resilience, and helps us shift from surviving to thriving. That shift is what gives us extra years and, more importantly, better years,' she adds. Dr Mohammed Enayat, founder of longevity clinic, HUM2N, agrees. 'Reinvention in midlife, whether through career transitions, dietary improvements, or optimised sleep and movement routines, triggers positive epigenetic changes that directly impact the ageing process,' he adds. 'In clinical practice, we observe that embracing change reduces harmful stress hormones, enhances metabolic function, and significantly improves both health span and lifespan,' he adds. So, if you're planning on living a longer, healthier and happier life, it's time to start reinventing. Need some inspiration? Here's how three brave midlife individuals navigated their big change. 'I was a Headteacher – now I'm a channel swimmer and lifeguard' Married mother of two, Hildi Mitchell, 54, from Brighton traded the demanding world of head teaching for the open water I began my career in academia with a PhD in social anthropology. My first reinvention came in 2003 when I left the university world to become a primary school teacher. I loved to teach and a role for headship came up at my local primary school. It was my dream job. But it wasn't easy. Like many, my husband Jon and I juggled careers and looking after our children, Polly and Elise. I loved my job, but I think many of us sleepwalk through life, ticking off the next task. I kept fit and healthy – running, swimming and cycling. I wasn't fast but always consistent. Then it was 2020, I combined turning 50 with COVID and a surge in stress levels. I led my school through the pandemic and headed the local branch of the national headteachers' union. Parents and staff relied on me and turned to me for answers that I didn't always have. I felt the weight of it in my body. My mum had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer in her 50s. She never got to retire and live out her dreams, and that also weighed on my mind as I navigated the pandemic and kept the school afloat. Then in 2021, my friend Izzi died suddenly from COVID due to complications from diabetes. She was five days younger than me. An astrophysicist and serial reinventor, she lived life to the full, and we had such fun taking off on impromptu road trips and swimming holidays. Her death reminded me how fragile life is. I'd trained as a swim teacher 18 years earlier. I always had a dream to swim the Channel, but I'd kept putting it off: 'I'll do it some time' I told myself. It was Jon who said 'some time' may never come. So, I did it. I booked the Channel swim. And then I resigned from my role as head teacher. The day I had to hand in my notice, I sobbed in my car. I had no clear plan, just the North Star of the Channel swim. But I knew I couldn't keep going as I was. I had taught children as part of my role as a part time swim coach, and loved swimming. So I thought I would combine my two passions. I retrained as a beach lifeguard. This was harder than the Ironman I'd done, surrounded by 20-somethings, trying to clamber onto the board. After day two I told my husband Jon I wanted to give up. But I didn't. Now I work at a 50m outdoor pool called Sea Lanes in Brighton. I clean toilets, fish hair out of drains, sit on the lifeguard stool in all weathers, and I love it. I'm working about 30 hours a week and taking home about 40 per cent of what I did before. That was supposed to be a full time job but I worked about 60 hours a week. So in some ways it works out well in the sense of having more time and more joy in my life. I've cut back on spending, cancelled subscriptions, like Amazon Prime, and I feel more mindful about how I spend my time and money. I completed my solo Channel swim in July 2024. And now I'm planning to swim the Bristol Channel – and maybe even the North Channel, for the triple crown. Setting goals is vital, without the Channel Swim, I may never have taken the plunge. I had a vision and now I'm living that out. I'm making sure I enjoy it. Status and money are not important to me, and I'm not worried about what others may or may not think. What does matter is having a choice and living a healthy and happy life. 'My friends died in the Shoreham air crash and it was a catalyst to get fit and change my life' A decade ago, Nigel Lambe, 55, was a father of three caught in the corporate grind. Today, he's reinvented himself as an entrepreneurial fitness coach It's been said that people overestimate what they can achieve in a year, and underestimate what they can achieve in a decade. I'm a natural planner, I set long and short-term goals and it's how I've always lived, but if I went back to 2015, I think I'd be amazed to see the life I have now. Aged 40, I was the classic slightly overweight businessman, married, three kids in private school, commuting to London to my corporate role as the chief executive of eCourier, a London-based logistics company. In 2010 I switched careers to start a successful coffee company and brewery. But the first time I did anything you could call 'sport' was after the 2012 Olympics. Like many others, I got swept up in the Bradley Wiggins hype. It wasn't long after this that I opened a cycling café and started a social cycling club — no egos, no competition, just community and enough activity to justify a few beers. That group became a space for people like me to get together, have some fun, and tick the fitness box. Then, in August 2015, everything changed. Two friends, Dylan and Richard, from the cycling group I'd set up were killed in the Shoreham airshow crash when they were out on a ride. It was devastating. A brutal reminder that time isn't promised. I started a programme of therapy, which had a big impact on how I moved my life forward, and it pushed me to stop and take stock. By 2017, my 18-year marriage had ended. Divorce, stress and three kids depending on me — it cracked something open. The following year, I met my partner, Grace, online – she's lived in the UK for many years but was born in Nairobi. By now, I was doing some parkruns and getting a bit fitter. And after focusing on running during lockdown, the change that had started four years before was accelerated. I put more energy into fitness and began serious training for a duathlon (cycling and running). I set a goal of becoming an age grouper (i.e. representing my country for my age). I qualified and ran my first duathlon race in Irish kit in Bilbao. My goal? Not to come last. I didn't and am now preparing for my fourth race for Ireland, the World Championships in Spain this June. Next up was marathon running. In just two years, I managed to achieve a PB [personal best] of 3.27 at the Brighton Marathon. While training for the marathons, I was set to go on a three-week trip to Kenya, to visit my partner's family. I decided I might need some time away from the new 'in-laws', so I signed up to a two-week running trip with the Kenya Experience who organise training holidays for amateur runners based in Iten, 2,400m at altitude – the 'home of the champions'. I didn't just get fitter from that trip. I was inspired by the small town of Iten and the Kenyan culture. I loved the people and the contrast of their society to ours. At that point, I was working as chief executive of Sussex Innovation, part of the University of Sussex. I didn't wait, I invested in the Kenya Experience as both a runner and a business coach and am now helping to expand the business. And over the last year, I've also worked hard to qualify as a triathlon and endurance running coach (while working full-time). Reinvention isn't what I was consciously doing. I wasn't trying to change who I was, but in always trying something new, I've certainly reconnected with who I'm meant to be. At 55, I feel like I'm just getting started, and I'm looking forward to discovering what's next. 'I ditched wine for Ironmans' In 2020, Myanna Duncan was juggling her full-time career as a scientist, being a new single mum, and grieving her mother. Wine o'clock was firmly fixed in her day, but aged 40, she decided enough was enough My daughter was born in lockdown, and six weeks later, my relationship ended. I was suddenly a single parent, raising her alone while working full-time as a Behavioural Scientist. Just nine months earlier, my mum had died suddenly. I was grieving, overwhelmed and trying to keep everything going. Like many new parents, I slipped into an unhealthy daily habit when Ruby became a toddler. I'd collect her from nursery and pour a glass of wine while making dinner. When I wasn't alone, I was catching up with the girls from my maternity leave 'wine club'. I wasn't drinking excessively – two to three glasses of wine. There were no wild nights or blackouts. But it was a bad habit that affected everything: my sleep, mood, energy and general wellbeing. I was always tired, without really knowing why. Alcohol is sneaky. It slowly wears you down without you noticing. I'd always stayed fit. I did my PhD in 2009 at Loughborough University, the home of sport. But after having a baby and a C-section, my body changed and I felt sluggish. By the time I turned 40 in 2023, I realised how deeply the bad habits had become embedded. Still, it wasn't until March 2024 that I finally gave up alcohol for good. As a scientist, I needed evidence to help shape my 'why'. I read This Naked Mind by Annie Grace. It explained not just the lived experience of quitting, but the science behind why alcohol is so damaging. I'm all or nothing, so I decided to stop, as an experiment. I was amazed by how quickly I felt better. I was sharper, less irritable, my skin was clearer, I lost weight and was leaner all around, and I had more energy. It wasn't easy. Drinking had been my way of coping with stress, and it was central to my social life. My first test was a ski holiday in Austria in April 2023. Ski trips had always been about the après as much as the skiing. I swapped booze for Red Bull and powered through with caffeine. I remember thinking, if I can do this, I can do anything. The first three months were the hardest. If you're thinking of quitting, it's worth having a game plan. Even as someone sporty, alcohol was ingrained in my life. At university, I played water polo and drinking after matches was how we bonded. It's easy to become dependent without realising. In the early days, I used the excuse of 'training for something' to dodge the inevitable question: 'Why aren't you drinking?' The biggest motivation to stay a non-drinker has been how good I feel. Your 40s can be a great time to enjoy the benefits of endurance sport, especially for women. My fitness improved quickly. My Parkrun time dropped from 28 to 20 minutes. At Hyrox Manchester, my training partner Joey and I came second, just behind the world champions. I'm back competing in Olympic triathlons and have an Ironman 70.3 coming up in September. I still have friends who drink, and I don't judge. But now, when I go out, I enjoy the food and the company, not just the drinks menu. My social circle has shifted too. I've got more fit friends, and the Hyrox community is so supportive and inspirational. We train, grab coffee, and go for lunch. I could never have imagined this life four years ago. It's changed beyond recognition, and I've never once wished I hadn't stopped drinking.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Solve the daily Crossword
New York Post
04-07-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Spermidine is the ‘Swiss army knife of longevity,' from hair growth to heart health — how to get more of it
This supplement's got spunk. Studies show that spermidine, a naturally occurring compound, can improve brain health, immunity, cardiovascular resilience and overall appearance. 'Spermidine is the Swiss army knife of longevity,' Leslie Kenny, founder of Oxford Health Span and co-founder of the Oxford Longevity Project, told The Post. And while natural sources of it include — as the name suggests — sperm, it can also be found in breastmilk as well as foods like wheatgerm, soy beans, mature cheeses, mushrooms and peas. 5 Incorporating spermidine-rich foods or supplements can keep our minds sharp, skin supple and hearts kicking. Jacob Lund – Spermidine it plays a key role in slowing aging, protecting against disease, fighting inflammation and maintaining metabolism by activating a process that gets rid of damaged cell parts and recycling them. 'It's in huge amounts in semen,' Kenny explained. 'It's in the endosperm of all seeds to ensure the survival of the next plant generation. It's made in our tissues and our gut biome for a reason, and plants are making it for a reason too.' Exercise, fasting, pregnancy or acute infections can ramp up levels in the boy — but our natural production plummets as we age. Yet longevity experts like Kenny say incorporating spermidine-rich foods and spermidine supplements can keep our minds sharp, skin supple and hearts kicking. Unsurprisingly, spermidine is a key component in biohacker Bryan Johson's daily anti-aging regimen. Offers immune support Kenny, who battled autoimmune conditions and rheumatoid arthritis in her 30s, was introduced to spermidine through researchers at Oxford University, whose work demonstrated that it could rejuvenate the immune systems of mice. 'If the immune system works, it can protect us from cancer, pathogens and an autoimmune attack. Spermidine is helpful for autoimmune patients because it's very anti-inflammatory,' she explained. 5 Unsurprisingly, spermidine is a key component in biohacker Bryan Johson's daily anti-aging regimen. Prostock-studio – Chronic inflammation is associated with diabetes, heart disease and muscle pain, so reducing it could yield several health benefits. Supplementing with spermidine could also clear toxic proteins such as amyloid-beta and tau, the accumulation of which can lead to Alzheimer's disease. Hormonal balance A 2023 study dubbed spermidine 'groundbreaking' for hormonal health and fertility, as research showed it improved egg quality in older mice. The same study showed that it can aid in hormone balancing and incontinence. In nearly all test subjects who took spermidine supplements, levels of the stress hormone cortisol dropped dramatically, and in male participants, testosterone increased by 50%. 'Spermidine is the trash man. If you aren't taking the trash out, it just accumulates, nothing functions, and that's how it is with the brain.' Leslie Kenny 'In women, progesterone, estrogen and testosterone increased, as did the hormone precursors DHEA and pregnenolone,' Kenny said. 'Some of the women actually reported that their incontinence, that urgency to go to the bathroom, significantly reduced. I think the reason why is that faster cell turnover helps the lining of the bladder.' Hair growth and keeping the gray at bay That same rapid cellular turnover directly benefits hair, skin and nails. 5 Leslie Kenny says spermidine can balance hormones. Leslie Kenney/Instagram The natural color of our hair comes from melanin. As we grow older, we make less melanin — and hence, less hair pigment. Over time, that leads to gray or white hair. Spermidine, however, keeps the hair follicle in the growth phase of the hair life cycle for longer, leading to longer locks and fewer grays. Better brain function A 2020 study found that spermidine supplementation protects the brain from neurodegeneration, cognitive decline, memory loss and motor impairment associated with aging. 'Spermidine is the trash man. If you aren't taking the trash out, it just accumulates, nothing functions, and that's how it is with the brain,' Kenny said. Heart health In a 2018 study, spermidine improved heart function in mice, leading to better health and expanded lifespan. Similar effects have been studied in humans. 'We have these cells called cardiomyocytes that govern the rhythm of the heart, and they don't replenish very easily,' said Kenny, who added that spermidine can help them stay in 'tip-top performance condition.' 5 A 2018 study revealed that spermidine improved cardiovascular function in mice, leading to improved health and expanded lifespan. Alexander Raths – Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) NAFLD is marked by excess fat in the liver of people who consume little or no alcohol. The primary cause is obesity, along with metabolic risk factors such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obstructive sleep apnea. In preclinical trials and animal studies, notes Kenny, spermidine reverses the effects of NAFLD. 'It's improving metabolic function and reducing triglycerides, and it seems to help with LDL cholesterol as well,' she said. How to incorporate spermidine The minimum effective dose of spermidine is one milligram per day, according to Kenny, a level that can be tough to reach through diet alone. 'It's hard to guarantee that you get that amount from food sources, but supplementation guarantees you're getting the right amount to help with memory and cognition. But I still want people to turn to plants if they can, because the fiber is really valuable,' she said. 5 Regarding whole plant sources, mushrooms and legumes are rich in spermidine, and to a lesser degree, spinach and broccoli. (JLco) Julia Amaral – The spermidine sold through the Oxford Longevity Project is plant-derived and naturally sourced, making it a cleaner and safer choice than synthetic options. Regarding whole plant sources, mushrooms and legumes are rich in spermidine, and to a lesser degree, spinach and broccoli. A 2016 study published in the journal Nature Medicine reported that eating aged cheese that contains spermidine was linked to a longer life span in lab mice, suggesting you don't have to choose between eating rich and living long. As far as getting spermidine from human sperm itself — if you're so inclined — Kenny notes that the levels in sperm vary, and quality is dependent on the overall health of the male in question. 'It's the fountain of youth! From a healthy man, you'd get a lot, and it would be, in my opinion, very beneficial.'
Scotsman
25-04-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
Sir Muir Gray and Angela Rippon to speak at The Oxford Longevity Project's Smart Ageing Summit
The innovative Smart Ageing Summit, organised by the not-for-profit Oxford Longevity Project, will return again this summer to explore how we can age smarter and better right now, with Sir Muir Gray, author of Dr. Gray's Walking Cure and TV'S Angela Rippon amongst key speakers. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Created by The Oxford Longevity Project, a not-for-profit project that produces public service webinars around the latest scientific breakthroughs in ageing, the event at Rhodes House, Oxford University will see speakers such as: menopause expert Dr Louise Newson; new OLP board member Sir Muir Gray ( an internationally renowned authority on healthcare systems) and Clinical Oncologist Dr Wafaa Abdel-Hadi. They'll all come together to explore this year's theme: the vital link between mental health and mindset and longevity. Founded by Oxford Professors Denis Noble and Sir Christopher Ball, Oxford College doctor Dr Paul Ch'en, and Harvard MBA and Oxford-based patient advocate Leslie Kenny, the summit will take place at the prestigious Rhodes House, Oxford University (home of Rhodes Scholars and an historic Grade II listed building) on the 7 June. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This exciting event promises to include networking, engaged discussions and thought-provoking sessions on topics such as: moving at any age, the power of the placebo effect, the power of hormones and modifiable lifestyle habits that trump our genetics. Wendy Welpton and Jane Tarrant will also be leading functional movements and breathing habit breaks throughout the day. Pictured L-R: Leslie Kenny, Dr Paul Ch'en, Sir Muir Gray, Professor Denis Noble and Sir Chris Ball, all of the Oxford Longevity Project. 'We all know that connecting with our tribe and living in vibrant communities is one of the keys to longer, healthier lives, so it's fantastic to bring together such a unique group of leading experts and welcome some amazing new speakers for our third event to discuss the science of ageing in the prestigious setting of Rhodes House. Oxford Healthspan is also proud to sponsor this important event to empower the public with actionable tips to live better, right now,' says Co-Founder of the Oxford Longevity Project and CEO of Oxford Healthspan Leslie Kenny.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Gen Z and millennial workers would accept lower salaries in exchange for this one thing from their employers
Money can't buy happiness—and younger generations are embracing that idea at work. Because for many, life seems too short to mindlessly climb the corporate ladder at the risk of worsening mental health. That's according to a new global study on longevity and workplace wellness, in which half of American Gen Z and Millennials—compared to just a fifth of baby boomers—say they would take a pay cut if their employer made an effort to prioritize their well-being at work. The survey also found that Gen Zers are the most unhappy with their careers. The global study, released this month by the Oxford Longevity Project and Roundglass, a wellbeing platform that helps people build healthy habits, collected data from 14,000 people in 25 countries to analyze perceptions of aging, the workplace, and well-being. 'We found that mental health is one of the top three priorities of people worldwide today,' Gurpreet Singh, founder of Roundglass, who worked on the study, said in a press release. 'Employees don't want to sacrifice their well-being for a job, and if employers don't address this issue, it's going to hurt the company's bottom line. To attract and retain talent, placing importance on employee mental health is non-negotiable.' Research has shown that companies are falling short in supporting their employees in the face of high rates of loneliness, burnout, and return-to-office mandates. A Gallup survey published last year found that less than a quarter of employees believe their companies care about their mental health and well-being, which, experts believe, could harm retention. Beyond the U.S., employees worldwide also agreed that mental health must be a top priority to keep them engaged at their jobs, the global survey found. Of those surveyed, nearly three-quarters (73 %) of people in Egypt and 71% of people in India agree that well-being is more important than salary. Workplace benefits can help showcase an employer's priorities, the respondents shared, with 67% of millennials in the U.S. endorsing physical health benefits, too. 'Boomers and Gen X are the ones who most need to prioritize their health, yet it's millennials and Gen Z who are leading the way in embracing true health span,' said Leslie Kenny, co-founder of the Oxford Longevity Project, in the press release. 'Younger generations are taking their health more seriously—not in spite of their age —but because they've watched their parents and grandparents live longer lives, often while managing chronic diseases.' It's data that workplaces might consider when it comes to attracting and retaining young employees—particularly since chronic stress can increase the risk for mental health problems and physical health conditions like heart disease. Millennials comprise over a third of the total American workforce, and the survey found that about a third of this generation considers support for mental health factors when choosing where to work. Workplace well-being experts have previously told Fortune that, alongside inclusive health benefits, employers must foster a collaborative culture and community that empowers workers to speak up, ask questions, and feel engaged—and that culture is, in fact, everything. It's often the simple moments of support and communication that make people feel purposeful and engaged. 'Benefits chosen for their buzz rarely address what employees truly need or want,' Gene Hammett, a leadership coach and host of the Growth Think Tank podcast, previously told Fortune. 'Without a supportive workplace culture and strong leadership, even the best perks feel hollow and performative.' For more on workplace well-being: Workplace well-being is at an all-time low. Here are 5 ways employers can actually help Want to boost employee morale and productivity? Ramp up volunteering How to quiet the noise in your head, and feel happier at work and in life This story was originally featured on
