The Philips Center for Health and Well-being recently conducted a study that surveyed the health and well-being of 1,500 Americans.  The report, Philips Index: America’s Health and Well-being Report 2010, sought to draw conclusions on five primary mega-trends:

• the overall state of the Americans health and well-being;
•  the aspects of health and well-being that are most important to Americans and how satisfied Americans are with those aspects;
• the role that technology plays in maintaining health and well-being;
• how American attitudes on health and well-being vary, and
• if one particular index was assigned as an overall measure of health and well-being among Americans what it would be and how it would differ among Americans

74% of Americans rated their general health and well-being as good or very good, yet much of the data indicates that Americans are not as healthy as they think. According to the report, for example, 39% of Americans consider themselves overweight, but according to the National Center for Health Statistics, 67% of American adults are overweight or obese.

Additionally, those in the 35-44 age bracket were much more inclined to report a decrease in health and an increase in doctor visits and stress compared to those in the 25-34 age group. Much of this stress was attributed to the economy (79%) and the cost of healthcare (75%).  So while 40 once signified the transition to middle age, these findings suggest that 35 is the new 40.

Overall, some of Americans’ biggest concerns were the economy (74%, up 40% from a similar study conducted in 2004) and job security (39%). 98% of Americans ranked their relationships with their family and friends as an important aspect to their health and well-being, and 86% reported that they are satisfied with this area of their life.  Additionally, 87% said they spend time with friends and family in order to boost their well-being. Read more of the findings.

Philips plans to conduct similar health and well-being studies in other countries to offer a point of comparison for the U.S. and to build a basis of understanding as to how people feel about health and well-being on global level.  Look for more indices from the Philips Center for Health and Well-being in the future.

Kip