ICICI Lombard’s 7th Annual Wellness Index Reveals Alarming Heart Health Awareness Gap Among Indian Youth

New Delhi, 1st October, 2024 – ICICI Lombard General Insurance, India’s leading private general insurer, today unveiled the 7th edition of its India Wellness Index 2024, offering a comprehensive snapshot of the nation’s health and well-being. This latest study reveals a concerning trend where, despite 89% claiming awareness of heart disease symptoms, only 25% Indians can accurately identify the true symptoms of heart condition. This comprehensive report highlights the growing influence of digital health technologies and the evolving dynamics of wellness across different demographic groups.

ICICI Lombard’s wellness index is based on a holistic framework comprising six pillars of well-being: Physical, Mental, Family, Financial, Workplace, and Social. The extensive survey covered a diverse group of respondents, comprising 69% males and 31% females, aged 18 to 50 years, from NCCS A and B categories. The study spanned 19 cities across India, ensuring a comprehensive representation of urban India’s wellness landscape.

The report emphasizes the crucial link between heart health and the six pillars of wellness. Physical wellness, the most significant factor at 58% of overall wellness, plays a vital role in cardiovascular health through proper exercise and diet. Mental wellness, contributing 18% to overall well-being, impacts heart health via stress management. The remaining pillars – financial, social, family, and workplace wellness – all contribute to heart health by influencing lifestyle choices, providing emotional support, and mitigating stress factors.

Talking about the report, Sheena Kapoor, Head – Marketing, Corporate Communications & CSR at ICICI Lombard, said, “Our 2024 Wellness Index uncovers critical insights into India’s health landscape. The challenges faced by Millennials in physical health, family dynamics, and financial stability have led to a 3-Point decline in their overall wellness index. The alarming gap in heart health awareness combined with rising stress levels especially among our youth underscore the urgent need for more effective health education. The adoption of health tech offers promising solutions, while corporate wellness challenges demand targeted initiatives. As we mark World Heart Day, these insights along with comprehensive heart health education have brought to fore the need for innovative insurance solutions for health and mental wellbeing. At ICICI Lombard we’re committed to leveraging these findings to develop programs that bridge awareness gaps, promote heart health, and foster overall well-being across generations.”