Aches, Anxiety, and Exhaustion - Only About Half of Brits Feel Good

How are you feeling lately? There seems to be a lot of angst these days. People have a lot to worry about, be it inflation and economic concerns, possible expansion of the war in Ukraine, COVID-19, and other health problems. 

A poll of 2,000 people in the United Kingdom shows that few people are really feeling good — both mentally and physically. Less than half of the adults in the U.K. surveyed said they were feeling good.

The poll, put together by MyVybe, a U.K.-based health supplement company, revealed that one in four respondents say they deal with anxiety at least once per week, and 40% struggle with muscle aches on most days. No matter if you live in the U.K., the United States, or elsewhere, we all have a little more worry these days.

Are You 'On Top of Your Game"?

Fifty-seven percent said they rarely feel "on top of their game" physically. Another 61% have accepted that aches and pains are part of their daily life.

When asked why they thought they were in such bad shape, the top responses were:

• not exercising enough
• poor diet
• not having enough hours in a day

Think You are Healthy?

Only 63% of those surveyed indicated they would consider themselves healthy. On a related note, 23% recently went on a diet, 41% started to get to bed earlier, and another 41% said they were drinking more water.  

Some of this discomfort can be attributed to the consequences of aging. A recent survey of 2,000 adults in the United States found that nearly 70% of Americans wish they could replace one of their body parts with a new one that works better.

Thirty-eight percent say they would opt for a new back. Nearly three-fifths add they're "always" or "often" thinking about their pain more than whatever they're doing at the moment.

The 'Fragile Fifties'

Once most people get to their 50s, they start experiencing more aches and pains and declining health like high blood pressure, heart problems, and diabetes. Depression and chronic pain are highly prevalent in elderly populations, and the risks increase after age 50.

Pain is also associated with a higher rate of depression. Depression, anxiety, and pain can all lead to long-term health care. Declining health, mobility problems, dementia, and the frailties of aging gradually increase with aging and lead to an individual needing help with routine living activities. 

Planning for the Consequences of Aging

Most people have not planned for the consequences of aging, yet many have already experienced health-related issues which increase their risk of needing long-term health care over time.

Due to the lack of planning, many people pay for long-term health care or have their adult children become their caregivers. Many people ignore the problem or assume health insurance or Medicare pays for long-term health care. The result is a family crisis.

More people are aware of the need to plan for aging and long-term health care but fail to act. You can only obtain LTC Insurance coverage when you have reasonably good health. Most people who buy LTC Insurance do so in their 50s; those who wait often discover they are not eligible due to pre-existing health, or the costs become prohibitive.

The Cleveland Clinic says that depression, disability, and chronic illness form a vicious circle. Chronic illness can bring on bouts of depression, which, in turn, can lead to a rundown of physical health that interferes with the successful treatment of the chronic condition.

Being proactive with your physical and mental health will improve the process of aging, but aging happens. Being prepared for the costs and burdens of longevity will enhance your quality of life, health, and financial situation.