Would You Slip back Into Pre-Recession Habits?
Despite today’s era of ‘new austerity’ being beneficial for the nations’ health, two in three people (65%) will slip back into unhealthy pre-recession habits, research released today by Aviva reveals.
The findings show that as a direct result of the recession, people have made lifestyle changes to save money that directly benefit long-term health. However, the concern is that as people start to enjoy higher disposable income, many will slip back into their previous lifestyles.
The research was conducted to support a high-profile marketing campaign, designed to help customers protect themselves and their families through life and health cover.
Post-recession, just 35% of adults plan to keep up the good habits introduced. Sixty five per cent (40m people) will increase spending on at least one unhealthy activity. This breaks down as:
· Eating out in restaurants rather than cooking from scratch at home (30%)
· Going on beach holidays rather than active ‘staycations’ (24%)
· Socialising in bars and pubs (21%)
· Ordering takeaways (15%)
· Eating lunch out rather than making it at home (15%).
Dr Doug Wright, Principal Clinical Consultant, Aviva UK Health, says: "Despite anecdotal reports that the recession is bad for your health, this research proves that the recession has prompted some new habits that are actually good for you.
"However, even as the economy improves and the temptation is to return to the way we were before, we would like to encourage people to keep up their new healthy behaviours. Even small steps can have a really positive impact on health, so we need to integrate them into a long-term plan rather than look for a short-term fix."
"At Aviva we understand that people have a host of different lifestyles, so we aim to offer solutions that recognise their individual needs. We also know that many people have the desire to improve their health, but often struggle to find the time to exercise or visit the gym. We are working with our customers to find simple options that fit their lives, to provide the peace of mind they desire."
The research reveals that as a direct result of the recession, seventeen per cent of adults are exercising more and one in five (18%) is introducing a healthier diet. The most popular way of saving money is cooking meals at home from scratch, with over half of people (52%) favouring this rather than ordering a takeaway or eating in restaurants.
Other healthy cost cutting habits adopted because of the recession include:
· Making lunch rather than eating out (50%)
· Growing vegetables rather than buying them (20%)
· Losing or maintaining weight to fit into old clothes rather than buy new ones (19%)
· Keeping chickens for eggs (2%).
Britons are also currently embracing exercise. Rather than forking out on taxis or driving their cars, 21% of people are cycling or walking more regularly, and many more are using exercise as an alternative form of entertainment. As a result of the recession:
· One in four (26%) chose free outdoor activities such as visiting the park and going on bike rides rather than going to amusement parks.
· One in five (21%) chose a UK based activity holiday rather than a foreign beach holiday
· 12% exercised with friends rather than join a class.
The findings suggest that the recession has forced down alcohol intake and smoking, with one in four (23%) drinking less and 12% smoking less. Behind these trends is the tendency for nearly half (46%) of people to stay at home rather than go out to bars and pubs.
Dr. Wright adds: "At Aviva, we want to offer affordable, practical ways for customers to look after themselves and their loved ones. We also want to encourage and reward people for putting proactive measures in place to improve their health. That’s why we’ve introduced MyHealthCounts to our Health Solutions plan.
"People often associate medical insurance wellness discounts with going to the gym but MyHealthCounts rewards people for taking steps to improve their health and wellbeing however they choose to do it.
"In addition to the financial rewards, MyHealthCounts offers some important medical benefits. Identifying high cholesterol early, for example, means that the individual can seek appropriate medical treatment before they develop additional problems. With access to pharmacy tests and online help and support, MyHealthCounts helps them do just that."
Tagged in Recession