Members of the Millennial generation are more likely than older counterparts to report feeling "excited" about the future.

But they are also more apt to feel "nervous" and "stressed" right now, according to a survey conducted by StrategyOne for Pepsi.

The research, part of the ongoing "Pepsi Optimism Project" (POP) that explores the mindset of Millennials, found the generation as a whole is on par with the general population and upbeat about the future. Asked to select words to describe how they feel, eight in 10 (81%) selected "hopeful" and two-thirds (65%) chose "optimistic," MarketingCharts writes.

But Millennials (57%) are also much more likely than Gen Xers (49%), Baby Boomers (38%), and Post-War Americans (27%) to report feeling "excited" about the future.

On the other hand, the study found that while nearly all Millennials (95%) say it's important to maintain a positive outlook on life and none reported a long-term negative outlook, over half (56%) feel anxious about their lives right now, compared with 43% of Generation Xers, 51% of Baby Boomers and 36% of Post-War Americans.

Time Spent Enoying Life

Though Millennials overall spend more time enjoying life than worrying about the future (71%), they do so slightly less than the general population (78%), the study found.

Still, two-thirds (68%) are more optimistic about their long-term future (compared with 65% of Americans).

A corroborating study by Harris Interactive, which explored differences between various generations, found Millennials are thought to be more self-indulgent than older members of the population.

Family and Health Drive Optimism

Although many Millennials report feeling concerned about the future (72%), virtually all (97%) are optimistic about some personal aspect of their lives. These levels are in line with the 79% of Americans concerned about the future and 98% who are optimistic about their personal lives.

Millennials are also more optimistic about their overall well-being (84%) and relationships with family and friends (81%), and are significantly more likely than older counterparts to be optimistic about their careers (77%, vs. 66% of Gen Xers, 59% of Baby Boomers and 22% of Post-War Americans).

Other aspects of life that inspire Millennial optimism:

• Over three-quarters of Millennials are optimistic about their health (78%).
• 77% are optimistic about their career.
• 64% are optimistic about their finances.
• 61% are optimistic about their romantic relationships/finding the right partner.

Activities that Engender Optimism
Millennials engage in a number of activities that make them feel more optimistic, with the top ranked activities being taking care of their family (83%) and taking care of their health (82%).

Three-fourths that engage in physical activity such as exercising or playing sports (76%) and supporting causes they care about (74%) tend to make them feel more optimistic, reported StrategyOne.

Other frequently reported activities for increasing optimism:

• Being more social (71%)
• Managing finances (63%)
• Receiving recognition for doing a good job at work (58%)
• Shopping (38%)

In terms of generational differences, Millennials are more likely than older counterparts to report that being more social (Millennials, 71%; Gen Xers, 59%; Baby Boomers, 68%; Post-War Americans, 61%) and shopping (Millennials, 38%; Gen Xers 28%; Baby Boomers 30%; Post War Americans 32%) make them feel more optimistic.
Millennials See "Change" In Positive Light
When asked how to describe their views of the word "change," nearly all of them (95%) make positive associations:

• They most often associate "change" with the concepts of "new" (79%), "progress" (78%), "hope" (77%) and "excitement" (72%).
• They are less apt to make negative associations with the word change. "Uncertainty" (59%), "concern" (52%), "stress" (40%) and "loss" (26%) ranked at the bottom of the list of words that come to mind.
• Two-thirds of Millennials (67%) say the election of Barack Obama as president makes them feel optimistic about the future of the country.

Other differences that define Millennials: online time is thought to be critical to teen learning and development, suggesting the internet has become integral to how they experience the world. Those aged 18-24 also report an affinity for traditional media — including print publications and TV.

About the survey: Pepsi-Cola North America Beverages commissioned StrategyOne to conduct an omnibus survey among 2,008 Americans 18+ regarding their views on optimism. The interviews were conducted via telephone from November 13 - 17, 2008 using the field services of Opinion Research Corporation (ORC).