This statistic shows the percentage of adults in the U.S. who engaged in routine activities more often when facing a challenge or stress as of 2018, by generation. It was found that 70 percent of Gen-Zs stated they prayed in private more often when they faced a challenge or problem that made them feel stressed, anxious or sad/depressed.
Percentage of U.S. adults who engaged in routine activities more often when facing a challenge or stressful event as of 2018, by generation
Characteristic
Gen-Z (up to 21 years)*
Millennial (22 to 37 years)
Gen-X (38 to 53 years)
Baby Boomer (54 to 72 years)
Silent and Greatest Generation (73 years and older)
Private prayer
70%
60%
56%
49%
22%
Engage in music
42%
-
-
-
-
Surf the internet
37%
36%
-
17%
-
Watch TV for 2hrs+
33%
35%
-
-
-
Recreational shopping
30%
-
-
-
-
Private meditation
-
51%
41%
43%
21%
Walk for exercise
-
34%
27%
19%
-
Online games for 2 hrs+
-
-
28%
-
-
Exercise or engage in sports
-
-
26%
-
-
Attend religious services
-
-
-
19%
10%
Learn new things
-
-
-
-
8%
Cook meals
-
-
-
-
8%
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Original question: Do you engage in this activity more, less, or the same as
always when facing challenges or problems in your life that you
may consider to be stressful, anxiety-producing, or cause you to be
sad/depressed? (among those who engage at least once per year)
Top five routine activities for each generation. Activities engaged in by fewer than 200 respondents are excluded
from this list.
* Includes the leading edge of Gen-Z (age 18 to 21).
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AARP. (October 10, 2018). Percentage of U.S. adults who engaged in routine activities more often when facing a challenge or stressful event as of 2018, by generation [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved April 24, 2025, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/946782/routine-activities-when-feeling-stressed-anxious-sad-us-by-generation/
AARP. "Percentage of U.S. adults who engaged in routine activities more often when facing a challenge or stressful event as of 2018, by generation ." Chart. October 10, 2018. Statista. Accessed April 24, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/946782/routine-activities-when-feeling-stressed-anxious-sad-us-by-generation/
AARP. (2018). Percentage of U.S. adults who engaged in routine activities more often when facing a challenge or stressful event as of 2018, by generation . Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: April 24, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/946782/routine-activities-when-feeling-stressed-anxious-sad-us-by-generation/
AARP. "Percentage of U.S. Adults Who Engaged in Routine Activities More Often When Facing a Challenge or Stressful Event as of 2018, by Generation ." Statista, Statista Inc., 10 Oct 2018, https://www.statista.com/statistics/946782/routine-activities-when-feeling-stressed-anxious-sad-us-by-generation/
AARP, Percentage of U.S. adults who engaged in routine activities more often when facing a challenge or stressful event as of 2018, by generation Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/946782/routine-activities-when-feeling-stressed-anxious-sad-us-by-generation/ (last visited April 24, 2025)
Percentage of U.S. adults who engaged in routine activities more often when facing a challenge or stressful event as of 2018, by generation [Graph], AARP, October 10, 2018. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/946782/routine-activities-when-feeling-stressed-anxious-sad-us-by-generation/
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