U.S. adults say logistics and "feeling healthy" among reasons they duck out of routine wellness visits and screenings
Aflac's 2024 Wellness Matters Survey reveals concerning trends in preventive healthcare practices among Americans. 77% of adults admit to postponing important health checkups, with millennials and Gen Z showing higher rates of avoidance. Despite expressing worry about their health, 84% of millennials and 82% of Gen Z delay screenings beyond recommended timeframes. Logistical barriers, such as work conflicts and childcare issues, prevent 58% of millennials from timely screenings. Language is a barrier for 42% of Hispanic Americans in understanding healthcare needs and insurance benefits. The survey highlights the importance of early detection, with 56% of cancer diagnoses resulting from routine screenings. Community and family encouragement play significant roles in promoting preventive care, especially among Hispanic and African American respondents.
Il sondaggio Aflac del 2024 sulle questioni relative al benessere rivela tendenze preoccupanti nelle pratiche di prevenzione sanitaria tra gli americani. Il 77% degli adulti ammette di rimandare controlli sanitari importanti, con i millennials e la Gen Z che mostrano tassi più elevati di evitamento. Nonostante esprimano preoccupazione per la propria salute, l'84% dei millennials e l'82% della Gen Z posticipano i controlli oltre i tempi raccomandati. Barriere logistiche, come conflitti lavorativi e problemi di assistenza all'infanzia, impediscono al 58% dei millennials di effettuare i controlli nei tempi previsti. La lingua rappresenta una barriera per il 42% degli americani ispanici nel comprendere le necessità sanitarie e i benefici dell'assicurazione. Il sondaggio sottolinea l'importanza della diagnosi precoce, con il 56% delle diagnosi di cancro che derivano da controlli di routine. L'incoraggiamento della comunità e della famiglia gioca un ruolo significativo nella promozione della prevenzione, specialmente tra i rispondenti ispanici e afroamericani.
La encuesta de bienestar de Aflac de 2024 revela tendencias preocupantes en las prácticas de atención médica preventiva entre los estadounidenses. El 77% de los adultos admite haber pospuesto chequeos de salud importantes, con los millennials y la Generación Z mostrando tasas más altas de evasión. A pesar de expresar preocupación por su salud, el 84% de los millennials y el 82% de la Generación Z retrasan las pruebas más allá de los plazos recomendados. Barreras logísticas, como conflictos laborales y problemas de cuidado infantil, impiden que el 58% de los millennials se sometan a chequeos a tiempo. El idioma es una barrera para el 42% de los estadounidenses hispanos en la comprensión de las necesidades de salud y los beneficios del seguro. La encuesta destaca la importancia de la detección temprana, con el 56% de los diagnósticos de cáncer que resulta de chequeos de rutina. El aliento de la comunidad y la familia desempeña un papel significativo en la promoción de la atención preventiva, especialmente entre los encuestados hispanos y afroamericanos.
Aflac의 2024 웰니스 관련 조사 결과는 미국인들 사이에 예방 의료 관행의 우려스러운 경향을 드러내고 있습니다. 77%의 성인이 중요한 건강 검진을 미루었다고 인정합니다, 그리고 밀레니얼 세대와 Z세대가 더 높은 회피율을 보이고 있습니다. 건강에 대한 걱정을 표명하면서도, 밀레니얼 세대의 84%와 Z세대의 82%가 권장 시간대를 넘어 검사를 지연하고 있습니다. 업무 갈등과 자녀 양육 문제와 같은 물리적 장벽이 58%의 밀레니얼 세대가 제때 검사받는 것을 방해하고 있습니다. 42%의 히스패닉 미국인에게는 건강 관리 필요성과 보험 혜택을 이해하는 데 언어가 장벽이 됩니다. 이 조사에서는 조기 발견의 중요성을 강조하고 있으며, 정기 검진으로 인해 발생하는 암 진단의 56%가 평범한 검사에서 비롯된 것입니다. 지역사회와 가족의 격려는 예방 진료를 촉진하는 데 중요한 역할을 하며, 특히 히스패닉과 아프리카계 미국인 응답자들 사이에서 두드러집니다.
L'enquête sur le bien-être d'Aflac de 2024 révèle des tendances préoccupantes dans les pratiques de prévention sanitaire parmi les Américains. 77 % des adultes admettent avoir reporté des examens de santé importants, les millennials et la génération Z montrant des taux d'évitement plus élevés. Bien qu'ils expriment des inquiétudes concernant leur santé, 84 % des millennials et 82 % de la génération Z retardent les dépistages au-delà des délais recommandés. Des barrières logistiques, telles que des conflits de travail et des problèmes de garde d'enfants, empêchent 58 % des millennials de passer leurs dépistages à temps. La langue est une barrière pour 42 % des Américains hispaniques dans la compréhension de leurs besoins en santé et des avantages d'assurance. L'enquête souligne l'importance de la détection précoce, 56 % des diagnostics de cancer résultant d'examens de routine. L'encouragement de la communauté et de la famille joue un rôle significatif dans la promotion des soins préventifs, en particulier parmi les répondants hispaniques et afro-américains.
Die Wellness-Umfrage von Aflac 2024 zeigt besorgniserregende Trends bei präventiven Gesundheitspraktiken unter Amerikanern. 77% der Erwachsenen geben zu, wichtige Gesundheitsuntersuchungen aufzuschieben, wobei Millennials und die Generation Z höhere Vermeidungsraten aufweisen. Obwohl sie sich um ihre Gesundheit sorgen, verschieben 84% der Millennials und 82% der Generation Z Screenings über die empfohlenen Zeitrahmen hinaus. Logistische Barrieren wie Arbeitskonflikte und Kinderbetreuungsprobleme hindern 58% der Millennials daran, rechtzeitig Screenings durchzuführen. Für 42% der hispanischen Amerikaner ist die Sprache eine Barriere, um Gesundheitsbedürfnisse und Versicherungsleistungen zu verstehen. Die Umfrage hebt die Bedeutung der frühzeitigen Erkennung hervor, wobei 56% der Krebsdiagnosen aus Routineuntersuchungen resultieren. Gemeinschaftliche und familiäre Ermutigung spielt eine bedeutende Rolle bei der Förderung der präventiven Pflege, insbesondere bei hispanischen und afroamerikanischen Befragten.
- 56% of cancer diagnoses resulted from routine screenings, emphasizing the importance of regular check-ups
- African Americans are more likely to stay on top of wellness appointments and prioritize annual well visits
- Nearly 7 in 10 Americans are more likely to see a doctor if encouraged by a friend or loved one
- 77% of Americans admit to putting off important health checkups
- 60% of Americans have avoided common recommended health screenings, up 20% from 2023
- 84% of millennials and 82% of Gen Z delay health screenings beyond recommended timeframes
- 42% of Hispanic respondents indicate language is a barrier to understanding their healthcare needs and insurance benefits
- 70% of Gen Z and 67% of millennials primarily use urgent care or emergency rooms for healthcare needs instead of regular wellness appointments
Insights
The Aflac Wellness Matters Survey reveals concerning trends in preventive healthcare utilization, particularly among younger generations. 77% of Americans admit to delaying important health checkups, with 84% of millennials and 82% of Gen Z postponing screenings beyond recommended timeframes. This trend could lead to increased healthcare costs and poorer health outcomes in the long term.
The survey highlights significant barriers to care, including work conflicts, childcare issues and transportation challenges. For 42% of Hispanic Americans, language is a barrier to understanding both healthcare needs and insurance benefits. These findings suggest a need for more flexible healthcare delivery models and improved health literacy initiatives to address disparities in access and understanding.
The data also underscores the importance of community-based approaches, with 59% of African Americans and 50% of Hispanics preferring healthcare professionals from similar backgrounds. This insight could inform strategies to improve healthcare engagement and outcomes among diverse populations.
The survey's findings are alarming from a public health perspective. The high rates of avoided screenings, especially among younger adults, could lead to missed opportunities for early detection and prevention of serious health conditions. Of particular concern is that 60% of Americans with a family history of chronic illness still skip important health screenings.
The reliance on urgent care and emergency rooms by 70% of Gen Z and 67% of millennials for primary healthcare needs is worrisome. This trend can lead to fragmented care, missed preventive opportunities and increased healthcare costs. It's important to address the "feeling healthy" misconception that keeps 31% of young adults from regular check-ups.
On a positive note, the survey reveals the power of social support in healthcare engagement. With 7 in 10 Americans more likely to see a doctor when encouraged by loved ones, public health initiatives should leverage social networks to promote preventive care. The higher engagement of African Americans in preventive care practices offers valuable insights for improving overall population health.
From an insurance perspective, the survey results are concerning. The trend of younger generations avoiding preventive care and relying on urgent care facilities could lead to higher claims costs in the long run. Early detection and management of health issues typically result in lower overall healthcare expenses.
The language barrier reported by 42% of Hispanic Americans in understanding their insurance benefits is a significant issue. Insurers need to improve their communication strategies and provide more accessible, multilingual resources to ensure all policyholders can fully utilize their benefits.
The survey also highlights an opportunity for insurers to develop innovative products and services. For instance, policies that incentivize regular check-ups and screenings could help address the low utilization rates. Additionally, partnering with employers to offer more flexible scheduling for medical appointments could help overcome some of the logistical barriers cited by 58% of millennials.
Lastly, the preference for healthcare providers from similar communities among certain ethnic groups suggests that insurers could benefit from expanding their provider networks to include more diverse practitioners.
Aflac's Wellness Matters Survey reveals
Millennials and Gen Z say they're focused on health, but are taking a chance by skipping wellness checkups
The study uncovered an alarming 3 in 5 Americans (
Additionally, young Americans say they frequently or always worry about their physical and mental health — even more than other significant concerns such as their social media reputations, getting a promotion at work and politics. However, when it comes to important health screenings, many admit to putting off a checkup beyond the recommended timeframe at least occasionally —
Many aren't listening to their bodies, with
"Feeling healthy" and logistical barriers keep Americans from their doctor
Getting to the doctor is not easy for young Americans, as logistical barriers prevent them from getting health screenings on time — with
When Aflac Senior Vice President and Chief Actuary Thomas Morey was in his mid-20s, he experienced a significant and sudden health crisis, showing that one can never be too young to develop good health habits. The condition kept Morey out of work for nearly two years, and he was in and out of hospitals for 18 months.
"As our study shows, younger people are often less concerned about health care issues than older ones, and the statistics do support the idea that becoming ill is often a function of age," said Morey. "But what I learned is that percentages don't really mean much when it is happening to you. That is why I am a strong proponent of learning how to care for yourself, even when you are feeling strong. Going to the doctor for wellness checkups and recommended screenings is something everyone should strive to do."
Early detection at risk
Surprisingly, survey respondents who have received a cancer diagnosis were more likely to have avoided common health screenings than those who have not, underscoring the importance of regular screenings. Among those diagnosed with cancer,
More than half of Americans report a family history of chronic illness/disease, yet
"Family history matters to preventive care because history and genetics can often help inform the future of our own health," said Morey. "This is why Aflac is also focused on helping consumers be more aware and empowered to start good health habits early and continue to prioritize proactive health care as they age."
Community matters in preventive care practices
In the survey, African Americans (
The survey reinforces how much support matters — and the value of advocating for yourself and the ones you love to both schedule and keep important wellness checkups. Nearly 7 in 10 are more likely to go to the doctor if a friend or loved one encouraged them to go. Hispanic respondents are more likely to report that encouragement is effective. Men also are more likely than women to see a doctor if encouraged by a loved one (
"Life moves quickly, and sometimes, we can lose sight of what's important for good health and wellness — but when you do stop and think about it, what is more important than your health? Taking charge of your health can start when you are young, by making your own wellness appointments and encouraging those you care for to do the same," said Morey. "The Wellness Matters survey reinforces the value of proactive health habits. It also reminds us how much preventive care matters and to take more ownership of our health, regardless of age, gender or ethnicity."
To learn more about the 2024 Wellness Matters survey and to find tips on how to take charge of your own health and encourage others to prioritize theirs, visit Aflac.com/WellnessMatters.
ABOUT THE 2024 WELLNESS MATTERS SURVEY
The 2024 Aflac Wellness Matters Survey, examining attitudes, habits and opinions about health and preventive care, was conducted among a nationally representative sample of 2,000 employed
ABOUT AFLAC INCORPORATED
Aflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL), a Fortune 500 company, has helped provide financial protection and peace of mind for more than 68 years to millions of policyholders and customers through its subsidiaries in the
Media contact: Jon Sullivan, 706-763-4813 or jsullivan@aflac.com
Analyst and investor contact: David A. Young, 706-596-3264, 800-235-2667 or dyoung@aflac.com
1 2024 Wellness Matters survey
2 LIMRA 2023 US Supplemental Health Insurance Total Market Report
3 2024 Wellness Matters survey results
Aflac's family of insurers include American Family Life Assurance Company of
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SOURCE Aflac
FAQ
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