What your life looks like without the office computer
Last updated on 18 March 2024
Key points:
- A pandemic hangover persists with 50 percent of Australians concerned about future pandemics and their impact on health and well-being
- Two in three Aussies were concerned about developing a chronic illness, with cancer, arthritis and back pain as the top concerns
- People are intending to retire at 65.5 years, which is largely unchanged since 2018 – ‘19
Bupa’s annual survey has revealed that Baby Boomers were feeling happier and healthier than those in Generation Z.
The latest Bupa Pulse Check showed that while there was an increase in people using technology such as wearables to monitor their health and fitness, 53 percent of those aged between 18 – 29 said it’s having an overall negative impact on their mental well-being.
This has forced many to do a digital detox and reduce time on devices, compared to only 16 percent of those aged 60 and above saying tech was not interfering with them living their best life.
The study of 2,000 Australians, conducted by Quantum Market Research, found younger Australians want to be healthier and experiment with new health and well-being trends, but they do not rate themselves as healthy as the older generations. Baby Boomers were most inclined to feel they were healthier than the younger generations.
The Bupa Pulse Check report found the cost-of-living crisis is impacting people’s mental health, with finances now overtaking mental health as the leading quality of life factor. One in six Aussies also rated their mental health as ‘poor.’
Compared to last year, 35 percent said their perceived quality of life worsened with current housing and rental market conditions as key contributors, up from 31 percent in 2023.
Those concerned about developing a chronic illness dropped to 65 percent from 68 percent but there was an uptick in Aussies spending more time outdoors, jumping from 66 percent to 70 percent.
Australians have reportedly ‘returned to nature,’ as the survey stated:
- Aussies have increased their focus on health and well-being, upped their exercise and moderated their lifestyles — 45 percent of respondents were cutting back on alcohol and 62 percent reported taking vitamins or supplements.
- Over 40 percent took five or more actions to improve their mental health, with exercise and healthy eating topping the list.
- People from across the nation intended to do more fitness activities than last year, with going to the gym and swimming leading the way.
- Costs and a lack of motivation are the key hurdles to maintaining good health and well-being.
- There was a 10 percent increase in respondents reporting that they were running as a means of physical activity.
Bupa Health Insurance Managing Director Chris Carroll said Aussies were starting 2024 off with their physical well-being in mind.
“This research shows us while there is a generation gap, there’s [sic] benefits of getting back to basics,” Mr Carroll said.
“We know technology is here to stay and help us in our everyday lives, but we shouldn’t forget the simple pleasures of putting our devices away and catching up with friends, heading outdoors or finding a new activity to improve our health and well-being.
“It’s also positive to see people taking stock of their mental health — whether it’s exercise, self-care, reducing their alcohol intake, reaching out to medical practitioners and their friends.”
Quantum Market Research Managing Director Richard Frost said inflationary pressures had significantly impacted how people perceived their quality of life.
“Given the current cost-of-living crisis, we need to help Aussies overcome financial barriers to exercise and to know there are alternatives. You don’t need the latest on-trend equipment or membership to stay fit — and that’s why we’ve seen a big uptake in running or people going for a walk or cycling in the outdoors,” he said.
“Those who are successfully looking after their health and well-being are building routines, rewarding themselves, getting motivated with others and setting goals.
“Given all the tools and services we have at our disposal to stay on top of health and well-being, it’s surprising that younger Aussies feel their generation is not as healthy as the one before it.”
Research has proven that retirement can often revitalise and refresh one’s emotional and physical health, through decreased stress and a galvanised ability to set aside time for exercise.
Further studies, dating back to 1997, have shown that technology in the workplace can be a source of stress, insecurity, frustration and inefficient time management. Currently, retirees are benefiting from their digital abstinence in the post-work part of their lives.
How does technology frustrate you or complicate your life? Are you working out in 2024 or just working? Let the team at Your Retirement Living know what you think and subscribe to the newsletter for more information, news and industry updates.
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