All the claims data is shouting a message we do not want to hear

Two claims data releases by (AIA and Partners Life) shout out strongly the large causes of claims: these are driven mainly by non-communicable disorders. That’s cancer, respiratory illness, heart disease, diabetes, and mental health problems. Although many claims, especially in income protection, are initially caused by accidents - they are still a minority. Although many claims causes are much more widely reported - murder, suicide, motor vehicle accidents, terrorism - it is the non-communicable diseases that steal decades of life from our family and friends. Although it is understandable, perhaps, to believe that sudden external and violent means of death are more preventable, the truth is the reverse. In terms of personal agency, the extent to which choices you make can influence the outcome, people have more power to reduce risks by working on the causes of these big non-communicable disorders than almost any other health intervention. It’s also relatively low cost to make these changes. It is not easy, but good things rarely are.

AIA published back in 2021 the excellent “5590+” report which highlights how five ‘modifiable behavioural factors’ lead to five non-communicable diseases, that account for 90%+ of the deaths in New Zealand. It is worth a read: 5590+, the numbers that will help you lead a healthier, longer, better life (aia.co.nz)

That this is not an easy read is clear. Most people do not want to be told that diet and exercise are the answers. They would rather a pill or procedure. It is also important to acknowledge how hard it is to move against trends that are in the majority in society. In the 1970s it was possible to eat the way most people do today, but it was difficult, so most people were slimmer. The reverse is now true. That the odds are stacked against you is unarguable: modern processed food, takeaways, and restaurant meals are almost designed to work against you. It is hard to force yourself to eat well, and easy to eat badly.

That much of the media are happy to highlight the scary, and very rare, makes it hard to turn towards the daily and the commonplace with fresh eyes and face them down. Some social media scaremongers are trying to worry you about sideshows, it remains necessary to stay focused. That means improving what we do every day in terms of food, drink, movement, and attention. It is not just you it is also a challenge to me. Weighing in at 1.5 kilos more than I was on Jan 1st, I have to keep my eyes on the prize and get back to smaller portions, more greens, getting out into nature, and pushing a bit more tin at the gym.