Asians less satisfied with state of health

Asians are concerned about their health, but their level of satisfaction has dropped due to failure to ensure that they remain healthy. The culprit: lack of exercise.

“Generation O” (overworked, overweight, and overwhelmed) still exist, as Asians continue to lack time and motivation to improve their health,” showed rhe results of the 2016 Asia Health Index survey of Sun Life Financial.

The online survey, done by leading market research firm Ipsos from August 17-26, 2016, covered 4,000 middle class Asians with age range of 25-60 years and from the Mainland China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. It was a 50-50 share in terms of male and female respondents.

In a briefing, Mylene Lopa, Sun Life of Canada (Philippines) Inc. (SLOCPI) Chief Marketing Officer, said that although perception on personal health in the region has declined, Filipinos continue to have one of the highest scores with 514 points, second after Malaysia’s 515 points.

Indonesia is third with 513 points, followed by China and Hong Kong, 511 points; India, 502 points; Vietnam, 315 points; Thailand, 303 points; and Singapore, 302 points.

In particular, Filipino respondents came in third, after Indonesia and India, rating their overall health with 76 points. Indonesia is on top with 78 points and India with 77 points.

The Philippines topped the list when it came to rating the emotional or mental health with 78 points. Indonesia is second with 75 points and India, third, with 69 points.

“This is not surprising because Filipinos have been known to be among the happiest people in the world,” Lopa said.

In 2014, the Sun Life Financial Asia Health Index identified an emerging segment of the population in Asia called 'Generation O' – who were overworked, overweight and overwhelmed. The latest research finds 'Gen O' continuing to struggle with many respondents attributing their failure to live a healthier life and a lack of personal motivation. The most frequently identified barriers to health were a lack of time due to work (50%) or due to family commitments (36%), lack of personal motivation (40%), and the distractions of modern life (35%).

"These results illustrate the growing concern that Asians have regarding their personal health and the struggle people face in prioritizing health and well-being in the face of modern life," said Kevin Strain, President and CEO, Sun Life Financial Asia.

One element of modern life that is offering hope to Asians when it comes to their health is the emergence and proliferation of wellness apps and wearables. The survey showed that 42% of Asians use wellness apps or wearables, and those who use such technology tend to establish healthier habits and feel more positive about the state of their health. Among those who use wearables, 7-in-10 respondents feel more positive about their overall health, which is 10% higher than the general population.

The news comes as millions of people across Asia celebrate the start of the Year of the Rooster. Those born in the Year of the Rooster are typically active and enjoy good health. "We hope that all Asians can take a lesson from those born in the Year of the Rooster when it comes to staying active and healthy," Strain said.