Why making healthy decisions is not easy
People are generally over-confident when it comes to their health, making meaningful lifestyle change is an uphill struggle. The answer to this lies in behavioural economics
Studies suggest that 40% of human behaviour is habitual1 and two thirds of us abandon New Year’s resolutions within a month2.
Breaking habits is hard because it involves doing the opposite of what we are used to doing. Even with the best of intentions, newly adopted healthy behaviours are most often abandoned not long after.
We know that physical activity is good for us, but just under 40% of the UK population report doing less than the healthy guideline of 150 minutes per week3.
“Behavioural economics can be used in a range of innovative ways to encourage individuals to be healthier.”
– Dr Katie Tryon, Director of Health Strategy, Vitality
Why is it so hard to make healthy decisions?
Human beings often have a disconnect between our current and future selves. According to neuroscientists, when we’re asked about something happening to us in the future, our brain activity appears as if we’re thinking about another person.
If decisions only benefit us further down the line, making a choice that’s within our best interests can be very difficult.
How behavioural economics can help
Sometimes all it takes is a nudge in the right direction. Behavioural economics is the scientific study of how and why people do what they do.
According to health policy expert David Asch: “The key contribution of behavioural economists is recognising that we are irrational in highly predictable ways!”
By harnessing this, human beings can be encouraged and helped to live in healthy lives in a way that benefits everyone.
There are four laws of behavioural economics at play within the Vitality Programme.
1. OPTIMISM BIAS
People are generally over-confident when it comes to their own health and wellbeing. That’s why we show people their Vitality Age. Once they are made aware of this gap, they are more motivated to close it.
2. LOSS AVERSION
Studies show we are more likely to change our behaviour where losing something is at stake. Our data helps prove it. Vitality members who opted in to buy a smartwatch with no upfront cost, with future repayments linked to their physical activity, were 34% more active than other members on average.
3. STATUS QUO BIAS
As humans, we generally prefer things to stay the same. This is why retaining their Vitality status becomes such an effective motivator for members.
4. HYPERBOLIC DISCOUNTING
Also known as ‘present bias’, we have a tendency to choose instant gratification over even bigger and better rewards later down the line. That’s why short-term incentives such as Caffè Nero coffees and cinema tickets work so well.
Better for your clients. Better for your business.
The Vitality Programme is the world's biggest health promotion programme linked to insurance. We use a combination of rewards and incentives to change your clients' behaviour for the better - and in the long run.
All your clients will get access to the Vitality Programme when they take out a plan with us, helping them to:
- Understand their health
- Get healthier
- Get rewarded
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