How Frank Erceg improved his holistic wellbeing with AIA Vitality

“I started running around five years ago for my physical and mental health,” Frank explains. “So far, I’ve completed around 17 marathons to date, and it’s done wonders for my physical and mental health.”

While Frank kept up to date with his physical wellbeing, he didn’t pay much attention to the other aspects of his health – which soon changed after he joined the AIA Vitality programme.

“Alison loves her Apple Watch,” Frank laughs. “It’s given her the ability to track her physical activity during the day and her overall health – for example, hours slept and the inbuilt meditation apps. These were things I didn’t pay attention to in the past, and now we both try to get seven hours of sleep every night to earn AIA Vitality Points.”

Since starting with the programme, Frank has taken more opportunities to incorporate physical activity into his daily routine to earn his weekly Active Benefit.

“I’ve started walking to work and the shops instead of driving,” Frank says. “It’s great for getting my daily steps in, and it gives me a chance to be mindful and empty my mind – plus, I feel good about cutting down my carbon emissions at the same time. As for Alison, she looks for every opportunity to get points every day – whether it’s through exercise, meditation or using a mental wellbeing app. She’s really encouraged me to try it out, and I’ve developed a newfound appreciation and passion for looking after my mental health.”

Each week, Frank and Alison challenge each other to stay active to earn their Active Benefit, which they both love doing.

“We’ve been on top of earning our Active Benefit each week – Alison didn’t even miss hers when she had Covid,” Frank says. “We make sure to check in with each other before Friday each week. If one of us is short on points, the other will offer help – like going for a jog or brisk walk, for instance. Having that support makes it that much easier and fun – earning the weekly rewards is just the cherry on top.”

Frank and Alison have also started volunteering at their weekly local park run, which they think is a great way to show support for their local community and to be a role model for their daughter.

“The park run usually involves 60 to 70 people per week,” Frank explains. “We’re there every week as a family. Alison and I love helping others, which benefits our mental health too. Plus, we think it’s a great idea to set a positive example for our daughter and other young kids there who are open to giving exercise a go.”

While Alison utilises her Active Benefit towards her Apple Watch Benefit, Frank uses his rewards to treat himself from time to time.

“I’ve converted most of my weekly Active Benefit points to Mitre 10 vouchers – I got myself a pressure washer to clean up outside,” Frank explains. “Other than that, I get Harvey Norman vouchers to print photos. I’m also a huge fan of earning Airpoints – I'm saving them for a trip hopefully at the end of the year.”

Overall, Frank has had an amazing experience with AIA Vitality and its effects on his overall health. He’s even taken to sharing the programme’s benefits with his family, friends and colleagues.

“I’ve told everyone about AIA Vitality,” Frank laughs. “I’ve shared it with everyone at work, and showed my friends the various discounts, benefits and rewards I previously earned – I even started my mum on the programme, and she loves it!

“AIA Vitality has become such an important part of my life; it's helped me and Alison live a healthier life overall, and we hope to pass these positive values down to our daughter when she grows older.”