How Healthy is Britain?
15 Jan 2010 Tell a Friend
Health Insurer Pru Health carries out a twice-yearly survey into the health of the nation, called the Vitality Index. The research aims to pinpoint any areas of concern, and also to find out where improvements have been made. The January 2009 research shows that the same number of adults (69%) as before claim to be in good health, although worryingly, the number of adults who say that their lifestyle is unhealthy has increased from 14% to 18%. In real terms, this means that an extra 2 million people feel that their lifestyle has become less healthy, in just 6 months.
Dr Grainger, who carried out the research feels that the findings may be directly linked to the falling incomes and redundancy that have become an unfortunate feature of our economic climate, since the healthier options are often less affordable. Mintel research from October 2009 shows that gym memberships have also become disproportionally expensive, and this will be a deterrent for many.
Perhaps a sign of the post-Christmas blues, the PruHealth research also shows that over 50% of adults are unhappy with their current weight. Of those adults who admit to being stressed, 50% say that their stress is affecting their home life. 20% also say that their work is being affected by their stress.
61% of people admit that they should do more about their health, and as many as 81% of us state that we know what we should and shouldn't do in order to stay healthy. The smoking ban, and the increase in focus on health issues in the media will have helped to raise our overall awareness of our health. However, overall, it seems that people are not taking as much care of themselves as before, with only 13% of people visiting their GP regularly.
The report draws the conclusion that incentives may be needed in order to encourage people to live healthier lives, exercise more and make choices that benefit their health and wellbeing. When the survey respondents were asked what would motivate them to change their lifestyle, 'being diagnosed with a health condition' came top, followed by 'rewards and incentives for improving health' and 'a close friend/family member being diagnosed with a health condition'.
Some private health insurance policies do reward you for exercising regularly and making healthy choices, because if you are healthier you are less likely to claim. The reward in this case would be cheaper premiums. Many health insurance policies focus on preventative care, that is, keeping you healthy, rather than curing illnesses. If you are interested in finding out more about how much health insurance could cost you, and what incentives you might be offered, please fill out our short form. We'll connect you with a qualified health insurance adviser who will talk you through your options and provide you with a free and no-obligation quote.