Younger adults are more worried about suffering from chronic illness than those at retirement age, according to a report from Allianz Partners.
Data obtained by Health & Protection from the insurer’s States of Mind: Health Report showed 39% of respondents worried about suffering from chronic illness and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and chronic repiritory diseases.
However, just 33% of those aged over 66 were concerned about such health issues – the lowest figure among all age groups.
In contrast, 44% of 18-to-25-year-olds, 39% of those aged 26-40 without children, 51% of 26-to-40-year-olds with children, 46% of 41-to-56-year-olds and 41% of active adults aged between 57 and 65 said the same.
Paula Covey, chief marketing officer for health at Allianz Partners, said: “Our data shows those with young families are the most concerned about suffering from an NCD.
“That is likely to be because this group are worried about the implications that chronic conditions may have for those caring for younger children.
“It is perhaps surprising that those aged over 65 are the least concerned age group. As this group is particularly at risk of many NCDs, more needs to be done to engage and empower this cohort to take preventative action.”
Covey said it was never too late for people to become proactive about their health.
“If we can encourage those who are more at risk of having an NCD, to take steps such as adjusting their lifestyle and getting check-ups to pick things up earlier, it would improve their quality of life and potentially extend their life, at the same time as reducing the amount of care needed from healthcare systems.”