Sharecare tackles lockdown strife

Fidelity Life's Sharecare wellbeing app is offering help to New Zealanders coping with the Covid-19 lockdown.

Monday, May 4th 2020, 12:37PM

“New Zealanders have done a fantastic job banding together to fight Covid-19,” said Fidelity Life chief executive Nadine Tereora.

“However, the stress of an uncertain future, job losses, working from home with kids and other pressures are taking their toll.”

Research conducted by Fidelity Life showed people were worried about their job prospects, ability to pay bills and retirement savings.

People aged 25 to 43 were feeling most vulnerable about their financial security and were more likely to say they were unhappy. Respondents also reported exercising less and eating, smoking and drinking more.

“Sharecare provides everyone, no matter what their situation is, with a tool that helps them live longer, healthier lives. Because we know everyone is different, they’ll get access to personalised features, content and programmes that incentivise healthy behaviours,” Tereora said.

The Sharecare app has localised challenges and incentives tailored especially for New Zealanders to help monitor and improve their health. The app also includes content to help New Zealanders manage their health as they re-emerge from Covid-19 restrictions and leave lockdown habits behind.

“As we emerge from Covid-19, our relationships with our own wellbeing – from the physical to financial to social elements – are changing as we focus on recovery and resilience and move toward healthier futures.”

Riaan Rheeder, managing director of Sharecare in Australia and New Zealand, said it would provide evidence-based tools and programmes to improve and manage their health.

A key feature is the RealAge test, a clinically validated health assessment which determines biological age based on habits and lifestyle as opposed to calendar age. Customers using the app can lower their RealAge by using Sharecare content and programmes to help them adhere to their medication, develop better eating habits, get more sleep and exercise or complete stress-busting activities. It’s a one-stop shop for monitoring wellbeing, and even chronic health conditions such as diabetes.

Although anyone in New Zealand can download the app for free, Fidelity Life customers, advisers and staff have access to extra features and functionality providing a more personalised experience.

“Now’s a hugely important time in our history, as everyone looks to create the best possible future for themselves and for the whole community. That makes it even more exciting for us to be bringing Sharecare to New Zealand.

“Ultimately, if we can help our customers make positive changes to their health and wellbeing then that’s good for them, good for us, and good for our communities too,” Tereora said.

Tags: Fidelity Life insurance Sharecare