Press release
eHealth's New Original Research Offers Insights into the Lifestyles and Wellbeing of Seniors and Medicare Beneficiaries
Report tracks a sharp increase in anxiety and disengagement among seniors compared to last year The lingering effects of the COVID pandemic continue to have
About this update from Ehealth, Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"Report tracks a sharp increase in anxiety and disengagement among seniors compared to last year\nThe lingering effects of the COVID pandemic continue to have an impact on social activities and travel\nNearly half of respondents spend three or more hours a day online\nSANTA CLARA, Calif., June 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, eHealth, Inc. (Nasdaq: EHTH) (eHealth.com), a leading online private health insurance marketplace, released results from a survey of more than 3,500 Medicare beneficiaries exploring their lifestyles and physical and mental health. eHealth's original research draws a portrait of Medicare beneficiaries who are active, social, and very engaged online. However, it also uncovers concerning trends in mental health and wellbeing:\n42% of seniors are experiencing a loss of interest in things they used to enjoy, compared to 21% in March of 2022 (an increase of 100%); 39% say they are currently experiencing anxiety, compared to 24% in March of 2022 (an increase of 63%).\"This trend is concerning, but perhaps not surprising,\" said eHealth CEO Fran Soistman. \"As we discovered last year, the main drivers of anxiety and depression among seniors are financial stress and politics or current events. In an era of inflation and divisive political and cultural change, seniors (many of whom live on a fixed income) may be especially vulnerable. At eHealth our health benefits advisors are licensed insurance agents who are trained to serve seniors' coverage needs with sensitivity and care and provide them with helpful guidance.\"\neHealth's report draws a portrait of Medicare beneficiaries who are:\nStill avoiding crowds and travel post-COVID: 59% are less likely to go on a cruise, 36% are less likely to attend a concert, and 32% are less likely to fly. However, that's an improvement over August of 2022, when those figures were 73%, 56% and 52%, respectively.Prioritizing family over friends for a high quality of life: A close relationship with family was most commonly cited (by 22%) as the number one factor for a high quality of life; only 6% said having good friends was most important. Physically active: Nearly half (49%) get four or more hours of exercise per week; walking is by far the most popular form of exercise, enjoyed by 79% of respondents.Digitally engaged: 48% say they spend three or more hours online per day; only 2% d...