LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Almost 80 percent of grandparents say their adult grandchildren motivate them to stay healthy, according to a new survey commissioned by Humana Inc., one of the nation’s leading health and well-being companies. The survey of 1,001 grandparents (65 years or older with at least one adult grandchild age 18 to 34) measures the surprising impact young adult grandkids have on their grandparents to stay motivated and be healthy.
Grandparents often play a critical support role in the lives of their children and grandchildren. Surprisingly, 78 percent say their adult grandchildren motivate them to stay healthy and health is top-of-mind for the greatest generation—particularly in relation to their adult grandkids.
“This study reveals that these two generations are looking to one another for health inspiration,” said Tom Liston, President of Humana's Retail Segment. “Grandparents have great life experience and it’s encouraging for young people to see them staying active. Today’s grandparents are encouraged to see their grandkids taking health more seriously—as the survey shows 30 percent would tell their adult grandchildren to take better care of their health.”
The study revealed that grandparents think their millennial grandchildren are dedicated to leading purposeful lives. The majority of grandparents say their adult grandchildren have the same work ethic and determination that characterized their generation. Interestingly, older grandparents feel even stronger that millennials are living up to their potential:
- 54 percent believe their adult grandchildren are more career-focused.
- 50 percent believe their adult grandchildren are more global.
- 45 percent believe their adult grandchildren are healthier.
- 43 percent believe their adult grandchildren are more determined.
The survey also revealed that grandparents are inspired to stay healthy through time spent with their grandkids and that technology is helping them remain connected:
- Nearly 50 percent of grandparents agree technology has brought them closer with their adult grandchildren.
- 20 percent of grandparents admit to using Facebook to keep up with the profiles of their grandchildren on a regular basis.
- Younger grandparents (ages 65 – 74) are twice as likely as older grandparents to admit checking in this way.
The study was conducted by third-party research vendor, Edelman Berland, in late October and November, 2012. The custom survey includes a nationally representative sample of 1,001 people ages 65 and over with at least one grandchild between the ages of 18 and 34. Margin of error is ± 3.1% assuming a 95% confidence.
About Humana
Humana Inc., headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, is a leading health care company that offers a wide range of insurance products and health and wellness services that incorporate an integrated approach to lifelong well-being. By leveraging the strengths of its core businesses, Humana believes it can better explore opportunities for existing and emerging adjacencies in health care that can further enhance wellness opportunities for the millions of people across the nation with whom the company has relationships.
More information regarding Humana is available to investors via the Investor Relations page of the company’s web site at www.humana.com, including copies of:
- Annual reports to stockholders
- Securities and Exchange Commission filings
- Most recent investor conference presentations
- Quarterly earnings news releases
- Replays of most recent earnings release conference calls
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- Corporate Governance information