Bupa Wellbeing Index
A landmark survey that uncovers the state of the nation’s health and wellbeing
Download the report(PDF, 1.6MB)
Summary
The healthcare landscape has evolved considerably over recent decades. Ageing populations along with huge advancements in science and digital technologies have all changed our needs and expectations of healthcare. And then came the pandemic, which has created further monumental shifts in lifestyles and health behaviours. The effects will last for years to come.
As we emerge from the most intense phase of the pandemic, we want to know how people are feeling about their physical and mental health. So, we are pleased to launch the Bupa Wellbeing Index†. It's a landmark survey conducted amongst 8,000 UK adults that uncovers the state of the nation’s health and wellbeing. By understanding the expectations of healthcare today and tomorrow, we look to fulfil our purpose of helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives and making a better world.
A word from Carlos Jaureguizar, CEO, Bupa Global and UK
As we enter Bupa’s 75th year, no one could have anticipated how the healthcare landscape would have evolved so much since 1947.
A changing world
Ageing populations, huge leaps in science, digital technologies, not to mention consumerism and national mobility, have had a dramatic impact on our health and wellbeing. And then came the COVID-19 pandemic — the biggest global health and societal challenge of a generation. For over two years it has dominated the lives of countries and communities around the world. It's changed the way we live, interact and assess our priorities.
Lasting influence
In 2022, it appears the most intensive phase of the pandemic may now be behind us. But its profound and ongoing impact on our mental and physical health, as well as how we view healthcare, will influence our way of life for many years to come.
A new era
While much has changed since 1947, this new post-pandemic era has many parallels to the post-war years in which Bupa was founded 75 years ago. In 1947, the nation was also scarred — both physically and mentally from the after-effects of World War II. However, this created a renewed focus on the importance of providing good healthcare and finding ways to improve the nation’s health, which led to the creation of both the NHS and Bupa.
The bigger picture
From the very beginning, Bupa has been driven by a passion to pioneer, promote and improve healthcare. So, as we emerge from seismic changes to our industry, we are launching the Bupa Wellbeing Index. It's a rolling dataset that will track five key health and wellbeing metrics of 8,000 people each quarter. It will capture a range of data points around health, wellbeing, lifestyles and behaviour to fully understand the nation’s health.
Shifting expectations
As the Bupa Wellbeing Index builds, it will create an in-depth data-driven barometer of health and wellbeing in the UK. It will explore how the pandemic has affected our health and shifted our expectations of healthcare. Demographic splits around sex, age and geographic location will explore key trends and spotlight where there are potential issues. This will enable us to continue to design and deliver healthcare in the most impactful way.
Challenges and opportunities
It’s important that we take stock of the current landscape so that we know the challenges and opportunities we are facing. Our first chapter explores the impact of the pandemic on the nation’s health. In our second chapter, we look at how attitudes and expectations around health and wellbeing are changing. We look at what this means for the future and the steps we are each taking for more ownership of our health. Further chapters will explore more aspects of the nation’s health and emerging wellbeing challenges.
Renewed purpose
As the UK and the rest of the world begins to emerge from the pandemic, these insights support our commitment to fulfilling our renewed purpose - helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives and making a better world. I can’t think of a better time to launch this report. I hope you find it insightful.
Did you know?
34%
think their mental health declined during the pandemic
31%
of adults think their fitness is poor
19%
of those working from home exercise less often
33%
say weight is their top health concern
48%
haven’t visited their GP in the past year
89%
want to make health a top priority
Advice and tools for your health and wellbeing
At Bupa we produce a wealth of free health information for you and your family. Here you’ll find trusted information about conditions, treatments and procedures. You’ll also find advice from our experts about staying healthy and living well.
†Bupa commissioned Censuswide to poll a nationally representative sample of 8,185 UK adults. The data was collected between 18.03.2022 - 24.03.2022. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct which is based on the ESOMAR principles.
Bupa health insurance is provided by Bupa Insurance Limited. Registered in England and Wales No.3956433. Bupa Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Arranged and administered by Bupa Insurance Services Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales No. 3829851. Bupa Health Assessments and Occupational Health services are provided by Bupa Occupational Health Limited. Registered in England and Wales No.631336. Registered office: 1 Angel Court, London, EC2R 7HJ.
