A new study by ComPsych Corporation revealed more than half of workers in their 60s have healthy diets, compared to only 17.7 percent of employees in their 30s.

Employees in their 50s and 60s also fared better in level of exercise, outlook on life, social support and stress levels.

ComPsych is a provider of employee assistance programs and guidance resources (EAPs, behavioral health, wellness, work-life and crisis intervention services).

"Our survey showed employees in their 30s were remarkably inactive," said Dr. Richard A. Chaifetz, chairman and CEO of ComPsych. "This may be due, in part, to the fact that 30-somethings are more likely to be consumed in raising a family, and aren’t allocating the time for exercise."

"Workers in their 30s may be at peak productivity but also at greatest risk for neglecting their health and developing long-term health problems due to poor lifestyle choices," he added. "Corporate wellness programs should be especially attentive to the needs and issues of this age group."

Key findings include:

• 52.2 percent of employees in their 60s had healthy diets, compared to 17.7 percent of workers in their 30s
• 27.3 percent of employees in their 50s exercised more than four days a week, while 19.6 percent of 30-something workers did so
• 82.6 percent of workers in their 60s had a very positive outlook on life, compared to 46 percent of employees in their 30s
• 30.4 percent of employees in their 60s had high stress levels, while 64.7 percent of 30-somethings had high stress

Address: ComPsych Corporation, NBC Tower, 455 N Cityfront Plaza Dr., Chicago, IL 60611; (312) 595-4000, www.compsych.com.