Meet Australia's healthiest communities

AIA Vitality Zones

Be inspired to find your healthy place.

Uncover the AIA Vitality Zones

As part of our commitment to champion Australia to be the healthiest and best protected nation in the world, we set out to discover the communities across Australia that are excelling in their health and wellbeing.
 
Our research identified 45 local government areas where residents report better health and wellbeing outcomes through a unique combination of attitudes, environmental and socio-economic factors, and healthy behaviours and mindsets.
 
We call these areas AIA Vitality Zones. They embody our vision of what healthy living can look like in practice – where people adopt positive habits and mindsets that promote long-term wellbeing.
 
To encourage similar behaviours across the country, our health and wellbeing program AIA Vitality empowers and motivates Australians to take proactive steps to improve their health and wellbeing.

Inside AIA Vitality Zones

AIA Vitality Zones in numbers

8 years

Residents live 8 years longer on average

30%

Residents are 30% less likely to report living with diabetes

43%

Residents are 43% less likely to die prematurely

$371.4m

Residents save an est. $371.4 million for the public hospital system each year

38%

38% of residents engage in regular moderate-intensity exercise

83%

83% of residents have stronger confidence in preparing nutritious meals

30%

Residents report feeling grateful (30%) and happy (28%), higher than the national average

Want to get insights into your own 
health and wellbeing?

Do you live in an AIA Vitality Zone?

Forty-five Local Government Areas (LGAs) from across Australia have been named as AIA Vitality Zones - the LGAs where Australians are living healthier lives.

Step 1

Forty-five Local Government Areas (LGAs) from across Australia have been named as AIA Vitality Zones - the LGAs where Australians are living healthier lives.

AIA Vitality Zones in New South Wales

Blue Mountains, Georges River, Hornsby, Hunters Hill, Ku-ring-gai, Lane Cove, Mosman, North Sydney, Northern Beaches, The Hills Shire, Waverley, Willoughby and Woollahra

AIA Vitality Zones in New South Wales

Blue Mountains, Georges River, Hornsby, Hunters Hill, Ku-ring-gai, Lane Cove, Mosman, North Sydney, Northern Beaches, The Hills Shire, Waverley, Willoughby and Woollahra

AIA Vitality Zones in Queensland

Brisbane, Gympie and Noosa

AIA Vitality Zones in Queensland

Brisbane, Gympie and Noosa

AIA Vitality Zones in Victoria

Bayside, Boroondara, Manningham, Monash, Nillumbik, Queenscliffe, Stonnington and Whitehorse

AIA Vitality Zones in Victoria

Bayside, Boroondara, Manningham, Monash, Nillumbik, Queenscliffe, Stonnington and Whitehorse

AIA Vitality Zones in Tasmania

Glenorchy, Hobart and Launceston

AIA Vitality Zones in Tasmania

Glenorchy, Hobart and Launceston

AIA Vitality Zones in
South Australia

Adelaide, Adelaide Hills, Burnside, Elliston, Holdfast Bay, Mitcham, Port Adelaide Enfield, Unley and Wakefield

AIA Vitality Zones in
South Australia

Adelaide, Adelaide Hills, Burnside, Elliston, Holdfast Bay, Mitcham, Port Adelaide Enfield, Unley and Wakefield

AIA Vitality Zones in Western Australia

Cambridge, Canning, Claremont, Cottesloe, Gosnells, Murray, Mosman Park, Nedlands and Perth

AIA Vitality Zones in Western Australia

Cambridge, Canning, Claremont, Cottesloe, Gosnells, Murray, Mosman Park, Nedlands and Perth

How they Think Well

Residents in AIA Vitality Zones illustrate the link between social connection, community engagement, stress reduction, balanced diet and alcohol consumption, and sufficient sleep with overall positive health and wellbeing. By focusing on activities that bring them joy, they prioritise self-care and build mental resilience.

Key findings

30% of AIA Vitality Zones residents feel grateful, compared to 25% of the rest of the population. 28% feel happy, vs 25% overall.
45% of AIA Vitality Zones residents report that they are “doing well” and 17% are “really thriving", compared to 42% and 15% nationally.
71% of AIA Vitality Zones residents in WA rate social connections as extremely impactful — notably higher than the 64% national average.

Boost your mental wellbeing today

Prioritising your mental wellbeing doesn't have to be complicated. Small, simple actions like exercising, reading, or staying connected with loved ones can make a big difference. Here are some tips to help you nurture your mental health:
 
Tip #1 Prioritise staying connected with family and friends, both in person and by leveraging digital tools, to sustain relationships and maintain strong social networks.
 
Tip #2 Seek out opportunities to engage meaningfully in your local community to build a sense of purpose.
 
Discover other tips and tricks to help you Think Well on our Health and Wellbeing Hub.

“[The research] underscore(s) the importance of community engagement, self-care, and positive emotional habits in supporting mental health.”

Dr Jaime Lee
AIA Ambassador, Founder and CEO of Health Quotient

How they Move Well

While AIA Vitality Zones residents and the general Australian population engage in exercise at similar rates and agree that physical activity is vital for a healthier life, AIA Vitality Zone residents excel by engaging in more moderate-intensity exercise than the national average. This healthy habit helps them lower their overall risk of chronic and non-communicable diseases. 

Key findings

 Wherever they live, approximately 9 in 10 people see physical activity as being “impactful” on their overall health and wellbeing
73% of all Australians engage in some level of physical activity across a typical week
 
38% of AIA Vitality Zones residents engage in moderate-intensity exercise three-to-four days per week — compared to 32% nationally

Boost your physical health today

Getting active doesn't have to mean going all out. Building an active lifestyle is about finding what works for you. Here are some tips to make movement a regular and enjoyable part of your routine:
 
Tip #1 When approaching physical activity, start small. Focus on consistency, rather than intensity, to create sustainable exercise habits.
 
Tip #2 Engage in regular moderate-intensity exercise — activities such as: brisk walking, biking, or swimming that elevate the heart rate by over 50 per cent. When done regularly, these exercises are associated with lowered risks of chronic and non-communicable diseases. Any movement is positive.
 
Discover other tips and tricks to help you Move Well on our Health and Wellbeing Hub.

“Regular moderate-intensity exercise boosts heart health, strengthen muscles, aids in weight management, and supports mental wellbeing.”

Guy Leech
AIA Ambassador, former Australian Ironman surf lifesaving champion, and wellbeing and fitness advocate

How they Eat Well

Residents in AIA Vitality Zones demonstrate higher scores when it comes to nutrition. They show more confidence around creating healthy meals at home and understanding what fuels their body. They eat more fruit and vegetables than the national average and consider their diet to be “healthy” or “very healthy”.

Key findings

AIA Vitality Zones residents have stronger confidence in preparing nutritious meals at home, rather than ordering takeaway or fast food, than the rest of the population (83% vs 81%)
People in AIA Vitality Zones are more confident than the national average in opting for water or unsweetened beverages instead of sugary drinks (80% vs 76%)
67% of AIA Vitality Zones residents are more likely to actively limit portion sizes and avoid overeating compared to the rest of the population (63%).
 

Improve your nutrition today

Making healthier choices doesn't have to be overwhelming. Even small changes can lead to big improvements in your diet and lifestyle. Here are some simple tips to help you eat better today:
 
Tip #1 Start eating healthier with just one simple swap. For example, choose whole grains instead of refined options or add an extra serving of vegetables to each meal.
 
Tip #2 Opt for water or unsweetened beverages instead of sugary drinks.
 
Discover other tips and tricks to help you Eat Well on our Health and Wellbeing Hub.

“…focus on what you can add to your meals or diet rather than what you are removing. This makes healthier eating feel enjoyable and ultimately more sustainable.”

Marika Day
AIA Ambassador, Accredited Practising Dietitian and Nutritionist

How they Plan Well

Residents in AIA Vitality Zones benefit from proactive health and financial planning. By focusing on preventive care and strategies like saving and budgeting, they reduce stress and improve wellbeing. With 40% rating their financial health highly, they exceed the national average, supporting better overall health.

Key findings

42% of AIA Vitality Zones residents have strong relationships with healthcare providers, compared to the rest of the country (38%).
 
40% of residents in AIA Vitality Zones rate their financial wellbeing more than an 8 out of 10, compared to 37% nationally.
 

Tips to help plan for the future

Effective planning can make a world of difference in your overall wellbeing. From prioritising your health to managing your finances, small, thoughtful steps can help you stay on track. Here are some tips to get you started:
 
Tip #1 Benefit from proactive health planning by scheduling annual check-ups.
 
Tip #2 Take charge of your finances by creating and adhering to a monthly budget.
 
Discover other tips and tricks to help you Plan Well on our Health and Wellbeing Hub.

"[The research] demonstrates how critical a holistic approach to health is, and how important it is that everyone has access to education and financial stability.”

Dr Preeya Alexander
General Practitioner (GP) and AIA Health Expert

How they connect with the environment

Residents of AIA Vitality Zones value nature and eco-friendly practices, recognising the bi-directional link between environmental and personal health. With environmental decline impacting public health, they emphasise sustainable living to combat the rising rates of non-communicable diseases tied to air pollution, climate change, and urbanisation.

Key findings

61% of AIA Vitality Zones residents rate their access to outdoors/nature as “very good” (vs 55% for the rest of Australia)
 
76% of the AIA Vitality Zones residents believe that protecting the environment is an important issue (vs 72% for the national average).
 
Recycling behaviours are strongest in the AIA Vitality Zones in New South Wales (64% vs 56% of the rest of the state) and Victoria (68% vs 57% of all other Victorians).

Tips to connect with the environment

Spending time in nature and embracing eco-friendly habits can boost both your wellbeing and the environment. Here are some simple tips to help you connect with nature and live sustainably:
 
Tip #1 Spend time outdoors, walk outside in nature, or engage in simple outdoor tasks like gardening, to reduce stress, strengthen the immune system and regain a sense of control.
 
Tip #2 Where practical, engage in some eco-friendly habits — e.g. recycle paper and old clothes, catch public transport, choose drinks in recyclable cans — to minimise carbon footprint and wastage.
 
Discover other tips and tricks to help you connect with the environment on our Health and Wellbeing Hub.

“Exercise, clean air, adventure, and a healthy dose of vitamin D for musculoskeletal wellbeing are givens… microbes in plants, soils and fungi boost our immune system.”

Tim Jarvis
AIA Ambassador, polar explorer, expedition leader and environmental scientist

Want to get insights into your own health and wellbeing?

Be inspired to find your healthy place

Whether or not you live in an AIA Vitality Zone, there are so many things you can do to lead a healthier, longer, better life. Find inspiration from our in-house experts and AIA Ambassadors on our Health and Wellbeing Hub.