In 2018, we began talking about four numbers that embodied the state of Australia’s health and wellbeing: 4490.
5590+, the numbers that will help you lead a healthier, longer, better life
ARTICLE
15 July 2021
5 mins read
5 mins read
This health insight represented four modifiable behaviour factors (or simply put, four lifestyle choices) – physical inactivity, poor nutrition, smoking and excess alcohol consumption – which lead to four non-communicable diseases (NCDs) – cancer, diabetes, respiratory and heart diseases – that caused 90 per cent of Australian deaths.
Since then, 4490 provided the foundation for our mission to help all Australians to lead healthier, longer, better lives. Now, we’re taking the next step in this journey – as we evolve the framework to better reflect the changing landscape of Australia’s health and to empower all Australians to take a small step towards a healthier future.
Introducing 5590+
Now, we’re adding two new components – reflected in a shift to 5590+. This transition includes an additional lifestyle choice as well as a fifth NCD. Combined with our existing framework, these elements cause more than 90 per cent of deaths in Australia.
A newly identified risk factor
On top of our lifestyle choices – physical inactivity, poor nutrition, smoking and excess alcohol consumption – we’re acknowledging a fifth: our interaction with the environment.
From noise pollution to air quality to the ongoing effects of climate change, our physical environment is linked closely with our overall wellbeing. In 2016, air pollution was the second-largest risk factor for developing NCDs globally – just behind smoking.
While mitigating the more wide-reaching consequences of negative interactions with the environment relies on broad societal changes, this doesn’t mean an individual can’t have a positive impact.
As AIA Vitality Ambassador Tim Jarvis AM explains, “When faced with the enormity of some of these global issues, it can become demoralising. The best way to tackle them is to focus on what can be controlled. By breaking down these big challenges, whether it's health or climate change, into small manageable pieces you can have an influence over, people can get on with being part of the solution.”
Recognising the impact of mental health
We’re also highlighting a fifth NCD with an increasing impact on Australian health statistics – mental health conditions and disorders.
A recent study by the Australian Bureau of Statistics found that more than 20 per cent of Australians were living with a mental health or behavioural condition.
It’s also important to highlight that there’s evidence linking other modifiable behavioural factors, like physical inactivity and excess alcohol consumption, with the development of mental health disorders.
Similarly, mental health conditions may present alongside – and interact with – other NCDs. For example, evidence suggests that depression is a significant factor in the development of heart disease.
When it comes to acknowledging the role that mental health plays in our wellbeing, AIA Vitality Ambassador Dr Jaime Lee sees this as a vital step in our collective journey to better lives. “Our mental wellbeing is just as important as our physical wellbeing,” she explains. “On a cultural and societal level, talking about mental health has been stigmatised historically. It’s time to change that.”
So, how do we break this stigma? “For our country to shift the conversation around mental health, it’s going to take a collective effort,” Lee says. “It’s going to take cooperation, coordination and compassion from everybody: parents, teachers, doctors, government leaders, healthcare providers, insurance companies – the whole country.”
An opportunity for all
In advancing the conversation around 5590+ it’s our goal to empower people to take action and lead healthier, longer, better lives. Through AIA Vitality, our science-backed wellness program, we play a role in this too.
The power to drive collective change to the health of our community lies with all of us, and we’re excited to continue this journey with the goal of ensuring Australians are the healthiest, best-protected people in the world.
Staff Writer
Staff writers come from a range of backgrounds including health, wellbeing, music, tech, culture and the arts. They spend their time researching the latest data and trends in the health market to deliver up-to-date information, helping everyday Australians live healthier lives. This is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances. The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances.
Disclaimer:
This is general information only and is not intended as financial, medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a financial adviser, or medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances.
This is general information only and is not intended as financial, medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a financial adviser, or medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances.
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AIA Vitality is a science-backed program that helps you learn more about your health,
offers ways to improve it and motivates you with rewards along the way.
offers ways to improve it and motivates you with rewards along the way.
