HALF of the Australian population placed greater emphasis on their health over the past year, a trend propelled by the COVID-19 pandemic, revealed the 2023-24 NAB Health Insights Special Report (Part 2) (PD 01 Dec 2023).
This heightened focus on health spanned both metropolitan and regional demographics, with the most pronounced increase observed among young adults aged 18-34 years.
This age group saw a notable jump in prioritising health, from 44% in 2022 to 56% in the current year for those aged 18-24, and from 38% to 48% for those aged 25-34, the report suggested.
NAB Head of Behavioural & Industry Economics Dean Pearson (pictured) said, "a new breed of healthcare consumer is clearly emerging, and they believe they have a sound understanding of their medical conditions, their medications and their competency in proactively managing them".
However, Pearson highlighted the challenge of converting these intentions into actions that lead to positive health outcomes.
The report also found barriers such as lack of motivation, financial constraints, and tiredness were identified as impediments to adopting healthier behaviours. JG
To see the full report CLICK HERE.
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