Addiction to digital devices and social networking has rated as one of the key threats to healthy living according to a survey released by life insurer AIA Australia, which also found around two-thirds of people were concerned about cancer, heart disease or obesity.
The 2016 Healthy Living Index Survey found while cancer was still the biggest health concern for Australians (67%), heart disease (65%), depression (65%) and obesity (63%) all ranked very highly.
At the same time, 52% of adults surveyed stated that social networking and spending time online was becoming addictive for them with 61% also stating that it was hard to break the habit of spending too much time in front of screens.
AIA Australia, Chief Executive Officer, Damien Mu, said the research from the bi-annual survey of 600 Australians shows the modern day concerns around health and deteriorating health trends in Australia.
“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% also said that they rely on the internet for information and advice on healthy foods. 46% of us are also using the internet or mobile phones to keep track of physical activity and to stay motivated to exercise,” Mu said.
“At AIA Australia, we see the effects of poor health first hand, with increasing numbers of claims made because of chronic diseases that affect a person’s ability to work, causing financial strain and impacting on their quality of life.”
“By conducting this research, we get a better understanding of how we can support and incentivise Australians to achieve their lifestyle goals through programs like AIA Vitality, which rewards people for healthy behaviour. We are committed to empowering people to live longer and healthier lives by investing in health and wellbeing solutions that are adaptable for a range of lifestyles and life stages.”
