The psychological shift in the way Australians are viewing and responding to health concerns as they age, as well as the way they use technology are leading insurers to reconsider a range of health and life policies, according to AIA Australia.
The increased use of digital devices are distracting Australians from healthier living practices, even as 87 per cent of people said a healthier lifestyle is easier to pursue with the help of fitness targeted technology.
With 65 per cent of Australians reporting that their health had declined in the past five years, the AIA Australia’s Healthy Living Index showed the growing parallel between health and digitisation.
The study found 68 per cent of Australians wanted to lose weight, with 61 per cent of adults agreeing they spent too much time online and 52 per cent reporting that social networking had become addictive.
AIA Australia’s chief executive officer, Damien Mu, said the research highlighted new modern day threats to healthy living which were fuelling growing concerns, yet the modern Australian’s comfort using technology may also aid in their motivation to retain a healthy lifestyle practices.
“Issues such as technology are both a health threat and opportunity. While those surveyed reported that spending excessive time online is affecting their health, 56 per cent also said that they rely on the internet for information and advice on healthy foods,” he said.
“[The survey found] 46 per of us are also using the internet or mobile phones to keep track of physical activity and to stay motivated to exercise.”
The index reported physical health concerns still outweighed mental illness, with cancer taking the top spot as the most prevalent worry as identified by 67 per cent of Australians. This was followed by heart disease and anxiety and depression at 65 per cent, with 63 per cent identifying obesity as their primary health concern.
Wearable technology had grown in popularity, with one in five Australians currently owning an activity tracker, such as a fitbit, and 82 per cent using it all or most of the time.
The survey showed that Australians saw healthy diet, regular exercise and solid sleeping patterns as the most vital drivers of a healthy lifestyle, but also factored in psychological factors including work/life balance and positive mind-set.
