A new study from Cigna Healthcare has highlighted the detrimental impact of financial stress on global health and well-being, with more people turning to social support systems for help. The Cigna Healthcare International Health Study 2024, which surveyed over 10,000 people across 11 countries, reveals that overall health and vitality have declined, with financial well-being emerging as the weakest area of people’s lives.
Although stress levels have fallen in most regions, financial concerns such as the cost of living and personal finance remain the most significant sources of anxiety worldwide. The report emphasises that financial pressure is preventing many from addressing their health concerns effectively, as limited resources hinder access to care.
Gender and Generational Disparities
The study also revealed important differences in vitality between various demographics. Men reported higher vitality levels than women, whose scores have dropped notably since 2023. Among different age groups, baby boomers reported the highest vitality, while Generation X had the lowest. Millennials also experienced a significant decline in vitality compared to last year, showing that financial concerns are cutting across generations.
Commenting on the findings, Jason Sadler, President of Cigna Healthcare International Health, said: “While it’s encouraging to see stress levels decreasing, we must address the ongoing negative impacts, such as poor sleep and the link between low vitality and chronic health conditions. Those with higher vitality are better positioned to manage their health and approach challenges with optimism. Addressing vitality gaps is crucial for improving overall well-being.”
Key Findings
The study points to a strong correlation between vitality, social support, and mental and physical health. Individuals who report higher levels of social well-being are generally in better health. Forty-five percent of respondents rated their social well-being as “excellent” or “very good,” and 66% said their family usually provides them with emotional support. Half of those surveyed also reported frequently talking to their family or partner about their feelings.
Physical health and mental health remain critical to vitality. Poor physical health, alongside mental health challenges like stress and anxiety, were highlighted as significant contributors to low vitality. Sleep disruption caused by stress remains a widespread issue, with 50% of respondents reporting difficulty sleeping.
Financial Health Remains Weak
Despite the improvement in stress levels in many regions, financial well-being remains the area where respondents struggle the most. Thirty-six percent rated their financial health as “fair” or “poor.” In areas like the United States and the Middle East, the cost of living and healthcare expenses are preventing many from accessing essential healthcare services.
Support Systems Key to Coping
Sadler stressed the importance of social systems in mitigating financial stress, noting that strong social connections can offer critical support during difficult times. “Communities must focus on providing the right resources, including access to healthcare and social support networks. At the same time, organisations need to create supportive workplace environments that promote well-being, especially for vulnerable groups.”
The report also found that flexible work arrangements, such as hybrid working, are positively impacting organisational well-being. Employees with flexible working conditions were more likely to report job satisfaction and optimism about their roles, compared to those working fully in-person.
The full study report is available on Cigna Healthcare’s website here.
