By Trudi Roscouet
DID you know my first step into the health sector wasn’t exactly glamorous? I started by working with the States Vet, collecting bull semen and cow’s blood. Unusual, I know! But back then, I had no clear direction in life. My dream of becoming a police officer in Devon and Cornwall was shattered after I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. Back in those days, little was known about this condition. There was a vague link between ibuprofen – a newly popular over-the-counter drug for pain relief and hangovers – and worsening colitis symptoms. The medical sector treated me with steroids and NSAIDs, but no one stopped to address the underlying cause: my stress.
This period also marked the beginning of my complex relationship with food. Special diets were introduced to manage my condition, but I’d often fall off track – especially around December. Each relapse would land me back in hospital, where I’d force myself to eat “nice” food just to convince the doctors I was fine. For a 22-year-old, avoiding alcohol and sticking to strict diets was no easy task.
The 1980s: A culture of thinness
Let’s rewind to the 1980s – a time when society idolised figures like Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Absolutely Fabulous’ Patsy Stone. The diet of choice? Coke, champagne and cigarettes. Thin was not just in – it was everything. If you didn’t fit that mould, you were considered an outlier. Recent documentaries, such as the one on Lena Zavaroni, shed light on the destructive relationship between stress and eating disorders. Terms like anorexia, bulimia, and OSFED (Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders) were starting to gain public attention, but the core message was still clear: thin was good.
Fast forward to today
Now, as I reflect on my experiences, I often engage in conversations with people of all ages about their perspectives on health. Just yesterday, while buying lager at a local wine shop, I chatted with a young attendant. He shared his approach: “I train hard at martial arts, and I don’t like the way alcohol makes me feel the next day – so why bother?” He admitted he enjoys occasional nights out with friends, but has also seen his parents, “who prefer wine over physical activity”, he added with a knowing wink. This conversation prompted some research. According to Wellpower, many Gen Z individuals understand that alcohol is a depressant that can exacerbate existing mental-health issues. Enlightening, isn’t it?
Jersey’s reality check
Closer to home, the Jersey Women’s Health Survey reveals that women aged 40–55 are consuming more alcohol than their UK counterparts.
Meanwhile, a 2024 PubMed study states that 43% of menopausal women are obese. Stress, declining hormones, and the pressures of the “sandwich generation” contribute to weight gain, poor self-image, and even the recurrence of pre-existing eating disorders. But here’s the thing: extreme diets aren’t the answer. No more cabbage soups, grapefruit detoxes or miracle shakes. Instead, let’s focus on small, sustainable changes. As James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, wisely says: “Improving by one percent isn’t particularly notable – sometimes it isn’t even noticeable – but it can be far more meaningful, especially in the long run. The difference a tiny improvement can make over time is astounding.”
Gen Z and the changing landscape of health
While Gen Z drinks less alcohol than previous generations and has a healthier overall outlook, their mental health remains a major concern.
Despite better physical health habits, rates of anxiety, depression and isolation are on the rise.
The reasons? Increased online interactions, lingering effects of the pandemic and societal pressures amplified by social media.
So, what can we learn from all this? Health isn’t about being thin. It’s not about exercising every day or following restrictive diets. True health is about balance, consistency and mental wellbeing.
Whether you belong to the Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z, or even Gen Alpha, let’s make 2025 the year of meaningful change.
One small step at a time, we can create healthier, happier lives—for ourselves and for future generations.
Here’s to tomorrow –a day of change.
Want to take the first step? sign up for the Vitality Vibes newsletter at vitality40plus.com or email me at trudi@vitality40plus.com.
Let’s work together to create a healthier, happier future for the women of Jersey.
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Trudi Roscouet educates individuals and organisations on aligning the “four pillars of health – nutrition, fitness, wellbeing and sleep – and is committed to reducing the gender health gap. She writes regularly for Menopause Matters and publishes her newsletter, Vitality Vibes, twice a month to bring a little humour to the menopause. Visit vitality40plus.com.
