29 Jan 2017
Posted by Barry Aldworth 
Almost half of Irish people are hoping to shed a few pounds and improve their fitness in 2017, according to a recent survey carried out by AA Life Insurance.
47.58% of the almost 7,000 AA members and customers surveyed admitted that weight-loss was one of their top priorities for the year ahead, with a further 39.23% planning on eating healthier to help achieve this goal. With health seemingly a big priority for Irish people in 2017, 5% of survey respondents plan on cutting out cigarettes, with the AA highlighting that these kind of lifestyle changes could help reduce life insurance premiums.
“When taking out life insurance, many of us fear that past bad habits may mean a life sentence of higher premiums. However, if you can prove over time that you can maintain a healthier lifestyle that is likely to help you make savings on the cost of cover,” AA Director of Consumer Affairs Conor Faughnan highlighted. “This is particularly true in the case of current or ex-smokers. On average smokers may be paying as much as 90% to 100% more than non-smokers for life insurance, but if you can kick the habit you will see your premiums drop in the long run.”
Currently ex-smokers who have been tobacco-free for a period of more than 12 months are classed as non-smokers by AA Life Insurance. Meanwhile, there is additional good news for those who use e-cigarettes as an aid to quitting, as vaping is currently not considered as smoking by the provider.
Separately, making more time for family and travel featured prominently along the 2017 goals of those surveyed. 15.79% of respondents plan on spending more time with their loved ones in 2017, as part of their efforts to achieve a better work-life balance.
Meanwhile, almost a quarter of those surveyed plan on travelling more in the year ahead. While 13.50% plan on spending more time abroad this year, almost 11% intent on travelling more within the Republic of Ireland.
“While the whole concept of New Year’s Resolutions may be viewed with scepticism by some, it appears that a healthier, more balanced lifestyle is high on the agenda for most Irish people in 2017,” Faughnan added. “The majority of people who take out life insurance do so in order to protect their family’s future should the worst happen. While some lifestyle changes can help make doing this more affordable, it’s also important not to live like a pauper now, denying you and your family the occasional travel splurge, so that your children can live like kings in the future.”
Ditching the car in favour of cycling or using public transport more often was identified as a 2017 goal for 6% of those surveyed, with just over 5% planning on being more supportive of charities.
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