Health and wellbeing at a crossroads: A South African perspective

Kennisbank •

Non-communicable diseases and critical illnesses are on the rise. The result is that health costs, in both the developed and developing world, are increasing rapidly.

Health and wellbeing at a crossroads: A South African perspective

The Netherlands has not managed to evade these changes and, as a consequence, has seen a fall in overall wellbeing across all echelons of society. Yet there are solutions. New data, new technology and new ecosystem networks make it possible to better manage health and wellbeing risks and outcomes.

Insurance and technology colliding

Insurance has become increasingly technology-driven. The Internet-ofThings is increasing the transparency and our understanding of risks and behaviours. New mobile health technologies are empowering patients with more information and control over personal health. Smartphone applications and new medical devices are creating realtime data, making real-time interventions possible. Social media are connecting patients and providers in new ways. Wearable and implantable technologies are helping patients to manage their health even when they are on the move. As sensor technology continues to
evolve, it will be possible to monitor a wide range of biomarkers that can help with preventing, monitoring and managing noncommunicable diseases. All of these technologies offer wonderful opportunities for improved living standards, but can also cause one to lose track of what the actual vision and aim of health and wellbeing programmes are and how to build them effectively.

What is health and wellbeing programmes?

There is no single definition for health and wellbeing programmes. Because such programmes vary in size and shape, and are typically tailored to the needs, culture and infrastructure of each separate market, the general consensus is that there are four pillars on which all health and wellbeing intervention programmes are built:


• Physical (e.g. exercise metrics);
• Mental (e.g. stress level);
• Social (e.g. work/life balance);
• Financial (e.g. level of savings).


These pillars represent only the foundational blocks of a programme. More specific interventions may include elements such as digital access to health information, health programmes for targeted groups, rewards, personalized content and goals.



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Over de auteur

Wynand Fourie FASSA AAG

is Head of Data, Analytics & Pricing at Collective Benefits.