Aussies' quality of life improves for the first time in three years

Aussies say their quality of life and overall health and wellbeing has improved for the first time in three years, a major national survey from Bupa reveals.

 

The annual Bupa Pulse Check shows while mental health, work, physical fitness, and finances show positive movement from last year, weight loss has emerged as new trend, with two in three Australians not happy with their current weight.

 

One in four Aussies who want to lose weight say they’d turn to weight loss drugs including semaglutides like Ozempic. Obesity is not the only chronic illness worrying the nation; 71% of Australians are also concerned about developing conditions like cancer, heart disease and stroke.

 

The national survey of 2000 Aussies, conducted by Quantum Market Research in conjunction with Bupa, shows more people have found ways to successfully manage their health and wellbeing compared to previous years, leading to 30% saying their quality of life is better than last year.

 

More people are prioritising self-care, including regular meditation, journaling, yoga, healthy eating, trying new wellness trends, and engaging in fitness activities with gym workouts, swimming, and team sports topping the list.

 

Nationally, those living in Tasmania said they had the best overall quality of life followed by the ACT, Queensland, Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia, and then South Australia.

 

More Victorians had done at least one physical activity during the past 12 months while Tasmanians were hitting the gym more, Queenslanders were following a structured diet to stay healthy and those in New South Wales more likely to say they were currently cutting back on their alcohol consumption compared to 2022 (from 37% to 44%).

 

Other key findings of the national survey which checks-in on the attitudes and behaviours towards their health and wellbeing include:

• More Australians were looking after their nutrition with 63% taking vitamins or supplements regularly and 45% were reducing alcohol consumption.
• 7 in 10 employed Australians experienced burnout with heavy workload, poor work life balance and lack of resources the main drivers.
• The majority (86%) of Australians were taking steps to improve their mental health, with more taking time away from work than last year – exercise, healthy eating and spending time with friends were the most common activities.
• 46% are taking time out for self-care, gratitude, or meditation.
• Baby Boomers remain the only generation where the majority think they’re healthier than the prior generation.
• 2 in 5 find it difficult to manage their health and wellbeing, with cost and lack of motivation key obstacles and now work commitments increasingly getting in the way.
• 1 in 4 think specialists should use AI to diagnose health issues.

 

Bupa Health Insurance Managing Director Kate Williams said: "Amid rising chronic diseases and an aging population, it's encouraging that Australians are more optimistic about their quality of life, health, and wellbeing, with improvements in mental health, work-life balance, fitness, and finances compared to previous years.

 

“More people are putting themselves first and prioritising self-care. They’re adopting healthier habits such as healthy eating and reducing alcohol and are eager to explore new trends in health and fitness.

 

“We know the preventive health will not only improve quality of life but also reduce the burden on healthcare systems and help lead to healthier communities.”

 

Quantum Market Research Managing Director Richard Frost said: “It is great to see more Australians reporting an improved quality of life and taking proactive steps to manage their health and wellbeing. At the same time, we can’t overlook the very real challenges many people face - balancing time, costs, and competing priorities that limit what is possible.”

 

“The fear of developing a chronic illness is the highest it’s been in the history of the study, highlighting just how deeply these concerns resonate with Australians. While confronting, this concern can also be a powerful catalyst - motivating people to embrace positive lifestyle changes and prioritise long-term health.”

 

Other key findings include:

 

• 60% used telehealth in the past year and most popular with younger Australians and those in metro areas.
• 49% were using active transport more – cycling, walking, running.
• 46% feel accessing healthcare is complicated with those aged 18-29 finding it hardest to navigate.

 

Ms Williams said as the health and wellbeing priorities of Australians changed, Bupa worked hard to ensure health insurance remained relevant and accessible to our 4.5 million customers.

 

“Getting value from your health insurance has never been more important and that’s why our customers have access to GP telehealth appointments, digital mental health support and health care programs to support management of chronic diseases,” she said.

 

To read the full report click here.

 

ENDS

 

NOTE TO NEWS DESKS:

 

Interviews available with Quantum Market Research Managing Director Richard Frost.

 

Pictures available on request.

 

For more information, please contact:
Aleks Devic                                                    
Head of Media (Health Insurance) and Content, Bupa                             
Email: [email protected]     

Mob: 0412 868 933                                                      

 

 

About Bupa Asia Pacific

Bupa is an international healthcare group which has been committed to a purpose of helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives and making a better world for more than 70 years.

Bupa Asia Pacific operates in Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong, supporting about 7.3 million customers through a broad range of health and care services including health insurance, aged care, dental, medical, optical and hearing services.

Employing more than 22,000 people in the region, we believe that we can make a real difference to the lives of customers through our values, purpose and the way that we deliver personalised care.

Over the past 17+ years we have invested more than AUD$36 million in partnerships and programs focused on improving health of communities across Australia.