Walking has emerged as a super pill

Young India is inclined to Walking- Survey

New Delhi, October 29: Max Bupa Walk for Health Survey 2014 has thrown up some positive and interesting trends. One most positive among them is that ‘Young India’ loves walking which may point to health awareness catching up with them. The survey has revealed some interesting walking preferences of Delhi and Mumbai. The essence of survey is that walking makes people happier, healthier and restores work life balance.

This is first of its kind study among nearly 1000 walkers in Delhi and Mumbai. An interesting result is: 1 out of every 2 regular walkers in Delhi and 1 out of every 3 regular walkers in Mumbai prefer walking over driving short distances.

Some of the key Findings are:  83% people across age groups experience positive lifestyle changes, post walking, 1 out of every 2 walkers in Delhi and 1 out of every 3 walkers in Mumbai, prefer walking over driving short distances, Young India loves walking; walks more frequently than middle and older age groups, Mumbai walks for a longer duration than Delhi on a daily basis,  Delhiites prefer weekend walks, Mumbaiites walks similar distance on weekdays and weekends,  Men and Women like to multitask while walking; check mails, chat online or use apps while walking

Walking regularly helps people restore their work life balance, makes them calmer, happier and more positive towards life, reveals Max Bupa Walk for Health Survey 2014, a first of its kind study of nearly 1000 walkers in Delhi and Mumbai.

According to the survey, 83% walkers in Delhi and Mumbai experience positive lifestyle changes post walking. 47% walkers in Delhi and 43% walkers in Mumbai feel they have become calmer. 36% walkers in Delhi and 26% walkers in Mumbai say that their work life balance has improved post walking, as they have started leaving office on time, to walk. 41% people in Delhi and 43 % people in Mumbai also feel that their sleeping habits have improved as a result of walking. Also, 35% walkers in Delhi and 38% walkers in Mumbai experienced improvement in their self-esteem and confidence. 70% patients suffering from serious heart, respiratory, obesity and bone or joint related ailments, also experienced improvement in their physical, mental and emotional health, after walking. 91% patients suffering from bone or joint related issues, 81% obese patients, 77% cardio patients and 76% asthma patients reported that they feel happier, active, energetic and more positive, after regular walks.

The survey reiterates the multiple health benefits of a simple exercise like walking that Max Bupa has taken upon itself to drive across the country through its first of its kind health initiative, Max Bupa Walk for Health. The initiative aims to encourage people to integrate walking into their daily schedule. Buoyed by the participation of more than 40,000 people in the two editions of Max Bupa Walk for Health 2012 and 2013, the third edition of Max Bupa Walk for Health is scheduled for November 9 this year in Delhi and Mumbai.

A significant number of regular walkers say that that they have started avoiding junk food (60%), started waking up early (51%) and have become more inclined towards a healthier lifestyle than before.1 out of every 2 regular walkers in Delhi and 1 out of every 3 regular walkers in Mumbai prefer walking over driving short distances. The incidence of walking instead of driving shorter distances is also high among cardio (47%) and obese patients (35%).53% patients who walk regularly experienced decrease in stress and 41% said it helped improve their blood pressure levels. Weight loss is also one of the positive after effects of walking, visible within six months in most patients. On an average, patients reported losing more than 4 kg through regular walking. Cardio and Obesity patients reported an average weight loss of 6 kg and 5 kg respectively.

Manasije Mishra, Chief Executive Officer, Max Bupa said, “The findings of the Max Bupa Walk for Health Survey 2014 reinforce the numerous physical and psychological benefits of walking, including better health, positive lifestyle changes, improvement in eating and sleeping patterns, among many others. It has emerged from the survey that walking is a super pill, prescribed by 96% doctors to people across age groups, including patients suffering from chronic ailments like heart diseases, obesity and asthma. The Max Bupa Walk for Health initiative, now in its third season, is our endeavor to encourage people to walk regularly for a healthier and more successful life. ”

Pointing at city wise walking trends, the survey revealed that while Delhi walks more on weekends Mumbai walks the same distance on weekdays and weekends. However, Mumbai walks longer (45 minutes) than Delhi (34 minutes) at one go. 8 out of 10 people in the 21-30 years age groups Walk for Health on a daily basis, seven days a week. However, those in the 31-45 age group prefers walking six times a week and those in who in the 45 years and above people prefer walking only 5 times a week. More than one third (34%) of walkers in the younger age group, walk after lunch and one fourth of them (24%) opt for walking on way back home. Those in middle age group prefer walking in the morning or on way to work.  Almost 5 out of 10 walkers above the age of 45 years old prefer to walk in the evening or post dinner. However, doctors recommend morning walks over evening walks. 83% doctors recommend early morning walks, as against only  8% doctors who prescribe evening walks.

“The survey shows that companionship makes walking more enjoyable and presence of a companion is a motivator for people across age groups to walk regularly. Over 56% people in Delhi and 50% people in Mumbai prefer to walk with their families. Over 50% males and females also enjoy walks in company of their family members. That’s why this year we are encouraging people to participate in Max Bupa Walk for Health with their family and loved ones,” added Anika Agarwal, Head-Marketing, MaxBupa.

Interestingly, the survey also revealed how technology motivates different age groups and genders to walk more. People in the older age group are more disciplined and focused while walking, however those in the middle and younger age groups like to multitask, engage on social networking sites or apps while walking. 45% of middle age group walkers listen to music, 41% check mails and 40% talk on the phone. 41% men plan important activities while walking, 39% men prefer to socialize with other walkers and family, while 33% women either listen to music or simply check mails while walking.  Social networking sites and messaging apps like facebook and whatsapp are also popular with men and women in the younger age groups, with 23% admitting to their usage while walking.

It has emerged from the survey that every 4 out of 5 walkers suffering from serious chronic ailments in Delhi and Mumbai have health insurance policies. Almost 90% of people in the younger age group had insured their health, followed by the middle age group at 82% and the older age group lagging behind at 71%.