More than half of all Australians are now using digital tools to monitor their health, according to the Living Healthy Report 2023 from Woolworths Group’s Healthylife platform. The report reveals the increasing role of technology in managing health and wellness, with a growing number of Aussies turning to digital solutions to track everything from food intake to sleep patterns.
Key Findings:
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56% of Australians use digital health tools to track various aspects of their health.
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25% of users track their steps, and those using activity trackers take, on average, 2,000 more steps per day.
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16% utilize sleep-tracking devices such as smartwatches or rings, highlighting the growing focus on improving sleep, which has become Australians’ top non-food-related health concern.
Simone Austin, Chief Health Officer at Healthylife, emphasized the significance of digital tools in improving sleep habits. “These tools help keep us accountable to our sleep routines and provide valuable insights for health professionals to monitor potential sleep issues,” she said.
Digital Health Information and Care:
The report also notes that Australians are increasingly turning to digital platforms for health advice:
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32% read health articles online.
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16% receive telehealth consultations.
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21% seek guidance from qualified health professionals via social media.
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9% rely on influencers for health advice.
Sarah Gray, Chief of Health Operations and Innovation at Healthylife, urged Australians to prioritize evidence-based advice from trained professionals to ensure their health decisions are informed.
Supporting Healthy Eating:
When it comes to food choices, the report indicates a slight increase in vegetable purchases. However, Australians are still falling short of meeting the recommended daily intake of vegetables, with an average of only 2.8 servings per day, compared to the recommended 5-6 servings. Increasing vegetable consumption by just one serving a day can reduce the risk of long-term health issues by 1%.
The research also reveals that aligning grocery shopping with the Australian Dietary Guidelines could save shoppers 8% on their weekly grocery bills—about $20 per week.
Top Food Priorities for the Coming Year:
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Eat more vegetables.
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Cook more healthy meals at home.
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Eat more fruit.
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Reduce sugar intake.
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Cut down on confectionery.
To encourage healthier shopping habits, Woolworths has introduced tools like the Healthier Options feature on their online store, which helps shoppers make more informed choices. Additionally, a promotion offering 5-times Everyday Reward points for purchasing fruits and vegetables saw a 10% increase in fruit and vegetable servings purchased by shoppers.
This trend toward digital health tools and healthier food choices reflects a broader shift in Australia towards a more proactive, tech-assisted approach to personal wellness.
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