Generational Trends in Digital Health Highlight Key Adoption Patterns
United States, Tuesday, 18 March 2025.
Rock Health’s survey reveals Millennials lead in digital health adoption, Gen Z embraces AI, while Gen X prioritizes convenience in virtual care. Understanding these patterns is essential for targeted digital health strategies.
Digital Health Adoption Overview
Recent data from Rock Health’s 2024 Consumer Adoption Survey reveals a significant digital transformation in healthcare consumption patterns. The survey, which included over 8,000 U.S. Census-matched adults, shows that 58% of Americans engaged with virtual care in the past year, while 53% own at least one wearable device, and 54% actively track health metrics digitally [1][2]. This represents a slight decline of 5 percentage points in virtual care adoption compared to 2023, indicating a stabilization in digital health usage patterns [3].
Gen Z: Digital Natives Embrace AI
Generation Z (ages 18-24) demonstrates unique engagement patterns with digital health technologies. Notably, 60% of Gen Z utilized virtual care services in the past year, with one-third accessing care through text-based communications [2]. What sets this generation apart is their pioneering adoption of AI tools, with 29% using platforms like ChatGPT for healthcare needs - including 18% for condition diagnosis and 16% for exploring treatment options [2]. However, this generation shows a marked skepticism toward traditional healthcare, with nearly 10% expressing distrust in provider-sourced health information [2][5].
Millennials Lead Digital Health Revolution
Millennials (ages 25-44) emerge as the power users of digital health services, with 68% utilizing virtual care solutions in the past year - the highest among all generations [3]. Their adoption of technology extends to wearables, with 66% owning connected devices, including 44% with smartwatches. This generation shows particular interest in specialized health monitoring, with 13% using connected blood pressure cuffs and 9% utilizing continuous glucose monitors [3]. Their virtual care usage spans primary care (29%), mental healthcare (25%), and general wellness (24%) [3].
Older Generations: Trust and Traditional Integration
The Silent Generation (75+ years) and Baby Boomers (65-74 years) display distinct usage patterns focused on medication management and traditional healthcare integration. Among Baby Boomers, 87% take at least one prescription medication, with 47% managing more than four prescriptions [2]. The Silent Generation shows the highest trust in traditional healthcare systems, with 76% expressing complete trust in clinician information and 90% willing to share health data with providers [2]. However, they maintain clear boundaries with technology companies, as 97% are unwilling to share health data with tech firms [3].