Physical and Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Two years since the outbreak of COVID-19, Indonesian people are increasingly focused on maintaining physical and mental health, as well as managing their finances.
“The storm will pass” seems to be a proverb believed by most Indonesians. This is reflected in the results of the latest Manulife Asia Care Survey, which states that two-thirds (66%) of respondents in Indonesia believe that COVID-19 will end within the next year.
This optimism does not necessarily make people careless or resigned to the existing situation. On the contrary, the survey results show that Indonesian people are increasingly paying attention to their health and taking control over financial planning, in order to reduce the impact of the pandemic.
Physical and Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Compared to other countries that were respondents to the Manulife Asia Care Survey, namely Mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam; respondents from Indonesia had the highest awareness and willingness (82%) to wear masks.
Likewise with the level of physical activity, more than half (52%) have increased their intensity of exercise since the pandemic began. Apart from jogging and cycling which are favorite sports, Indonesian respondents also monitor their health status using health and well-being applications .
Regarding health problems that are the main concern of respondents in Indonesia, heart disease ranks first, at 41%, followed by stroke and cancer (35% each), and diabetes with figures that are not much different at 31%.
What about mental health? As many as 78% of Indonesian respondents said they were in very good mental health. However, on the other hand, 69% admitted that they had experienced unstable mental health symptoms in the last six months.
One of the triggers for depression or mental health issues in the midst of a pandemic is worry about meeting the family’s health needs. One in four respondents experienced this, even to the point of neglecting their own health to meet their family’s health needs.
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Financial Health is Also Maintained
According to the survey results, financial planning among Indonesian respondents includes efforts to overcome current financial challenges, while also working to create a stable future. Since the pandemic, Indonesian people have become more active in managing their finances, as acknowledged by 57% of respondents.
What are people doing to maintain financial health in the midst of a pandemic? As many as 83% of respondents see the importance of insurance, and 84% think the same about retirement planning . Additionally, one in four (25%) respondents invested, while 36% chose to reduce unnecessary spending.
Amazingly, 32% of respondents have set up a privately owned business to replace or support their main job. And as many as 37% of respondents in Indonesia also said that they had savings that would last more than one year if needed.