eHealth's New Original Research Offers Insights into the Lifestyles and Wellbeing of Seniors and Medicare Beneficiaries
Report tracks a sharp increase in anxiety and disengagement among seniors compared to last year
The lingering effects of the COVID pandemic continue to have an impact on social activities and travel
Nearly half of respondents spend three or more hours a day online
- 42% of seniors are experiencing a loss of interest in things they used to enjoy, compared to 21% in March of 2022 (an increase of 100%); 39% say they are currently experiencing anxiety, compared to 24% in March of 2022 (an increase of 63%).
"This trend is concerning, but perhaps not surprising," said eHealth CEO
eHealth's report draws a portrait of Medicare beneficiaries who are:
- Still avoiding crowds and travel post-COVID: 59% are less likely to go on a cruise, 36% are less likely to attend a concert, and 32% are less likely to fly. However, that's an improvement over August of 2022, when those figures were 73%, 56% and 52%, respectively.
- Prioritizing family over friends for a high quality of life: A close relationship with family was most commonly cited (by 22%) as the number one factor for a high quality of life; only 6% said having good friends was most important.
- Physically active: Nearly half (49%) get four or more hours of exercise per week; walking is by far the most popular form of exercise, enjoyed by 79% of respondents.
- Digitally engaged: 48% say they spend three or more hours online per day; only 2% don't go online at all. In addition, 48% say they are most likely to get information about health and wellness through online searches.
- Not getting enough sleep: Nearly three-quarters (72%) say they get seven or less hours of sleep per night; the
National Institutes of Health recommends 7-9 hours per night for older adults.
Read the full report for additional highlights.
eHealth's report is based on a voluntary survey of 3,582 beneficiaries who enrolled in Medicare plans through eHealth, with coverage in effect at the time of the survey, which was conducted in June of 2023. Additional methodology information is provided at the end of the report.
About eHealth
For over 25 years,
Media inquiries, please contact: pr@ehealth.com
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ehealths-new-original-research-offers-insights-into-the-lifestyles-and-wellbeing-of-seniors-and-medicare-beneficiaries-301864231.html
SOURCE