The findings from our 2023 Health of the Nation research report shows a noticeable decline in overall physical and mental health. This is despite people thinking their health is improving.
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Over the last 5 years people are exercising less and are putting on weight
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The Irish Life National Health Score has decreased for a fourth consecutive year
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28% of respondents felt stressed and anxious most of the time
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The number of people feeling lonely or isolated continues to rise, having nearly doubled since 2019
The research reveals that although people who completed the survey said they were putting more effort into being healthy than before, the average weight is higher than 2018, the amount of daily exercise is lower than 2019 and the overall health score continues to decrease. Interestingly, there is also a “say / do gap” in terms of mental health and social connection. The research noted improvements in mental resilience and indicators of social health, yet there was also a rise in distress and anxiety levels and feeling lonely or isolated is higher than ever.
Check out the full Health of the Nation research results
The Health of the Nation research has been conducted on an annual basis since 2018, aside from 2021 where restrictions were in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read our press release here
Download the Health of the Nation 2023 report here