Allianz Partners report highlights critical gap in awareness around chronic diseases

Allianz Partners has launched the Generational Health Insights report and docuseries, offering insights into how today’s population feels about key healthcare topics. Working alongside Joe-Max Wakim, Vice Director of Health at the Copenhagen Institute of Future Studies, the report and docuseries explores the opinions of cross-generational contributors, framed by Wakim’s extensive knowledge, experience and access to health research data and studies.

Along with the perspectives of cross-generational contributors, the Generational Health Insights report uses data from global studies, citing findings from around the world. It focuses on three main health topics – living well, mental health, and digital health – combined with observations and conclusions from health economist Wakim.

Key findings from the report

1. By 2030, one in six people will be aged 60 years or over. The proportion of older age-groups in society is increasing, and the risk of getting one or more chronic diseases increases with age.
2. When it comes to chronic (non-communicable) diseases – the leading drivers of illness, disability and healthcare costs, killing 41 million people a year – the study showed a stark lack of awareness around what they are and how they can be prevented. There is an opportunity to educate and empower people to take control of their health, improve their quality of life and, ultimately, take pressure off national healthcare systems.
3. Almost half (47%) of Gen Zers aged 12–26 often or always feel anxious, while more than one in five (22%) often or always feel depressed, and the study reflected the fact that mental health is now cited as almost more important than physical health. With different generations experiencing different challenges around mental fitness, a one-size-fits-all approach won’t work. Support for mental health needs to be taken as seriously as more tangible, physical health concerns, and tailored to at-risk populations.
4. In 2024, there was a 6,500% increase in prescriptions for mental healthcare apps. While digital health services and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare settings continue to grow and provide benefits, research shows that there will still be a role for human healthcare professionals when it comes to more personal interactions and diagnoses.
5. Health insurers, health organisations and governments must build trust around how personal health data will be used, and explain what the benefits will be, before they, along with consumers, will be able to reap the full benefits of a health ecosystem and more efficiently linked health data.

Allianz Partners recently appointed a new Chief Markets Officer and board member.