5590+, the numbers that will help you lead a healthier, longer, better life

This health insight represented four modifiable behaviour factors (or simply put, four lifestyle choices) ­– physical inactivity, poor nutrition, smoking and excess alcohol consumption – which lead to four non-communicable diseases (NCDs) – cancer, diabetes, respiratory and heart diseases – that caused 90 per cent of deaths in New Zealand.

Since then, 4490 provided the foundation for our promise to help all New Zealanders lead Healthier, Longer, Better Lives. Now, we’re taking the next step in this journey as we evolve the framework to better reflect the changing landscape of New Zealand’s health, and to empower all New Zealanders to take a small step towards a healthier future.

Now, we’re adding two new elements – reflected in a shift to 5590+. This transition includes an additional lifestyle choice, as well as a fifth NCD. Combined with our existing framework, these elements cause more than 90 per cent of deaths in New Zealand.

On top of our lifestyle choices – physical inactivity, poor nutrition, smoking and excess alcohol consumption – we’re acknowledging a fifth: our interaction with the environment.

From noise pollution to air quality to the ongoing effects of climate change, our physical environment is linked closely with our overall wellbeing. In 2016, air pollution was the second-largest risk factor for developing NCDs globally, just behind smoking.

While mitigating the more wide-reaching consequences of negative interactions with the environment relies on broad societal changes, this doesn’t mean an individual can’t have a positive impact.

As British-Australian environmental explorer and Australian AIA Vitality Ambassador Tim Jarvis AM explains, “When faced with the enormity of some of these global issues, it can become demoralising. The best way to tackle them is to focus on what can be controlled. By breaking down these big challenges, whether it's health or climate change, into small manageable pieces you can have an influence over, people can get on with being part of the solution.”

We’re also highlighting a fifth NCD with an increasing impact on New Zealand health statistics – poor mental health.

Studies have shown a quarter of New Zealanders are living with some kind of mental ill health or behavioural condition. It’s also important to highlight that there’s evidence linking other modifiable behavioural factors, like physical inactivity and excess alcohol consumption, with the development of mental health disorders.

Similarly, poor mental health may present alongside – and interact with – other NCDs. For example, evidence suggests that depression is a significant factor in the development of heart disease. 

When it comes to acknowledging the role that mental health plays in our wellbeing, Shaun Robinson from the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand says “Discussion of mental health and of what it means has never been more prominent in Aotearoa New Zealand. High rates of mental and emotional distress experienced in the community over many years have become a significant political issue.”

“Poor mental wellbeing is preventable. Knowing that health promotion works in the context of mental health, the challenge is now to bring this to scale within Aotearoa New Zealand and globally.” 

In advancing the conversation around 5590+ it’s our goal to empower people to take action and lead Healthier, Longer, Better Lives. Through AIA Vitality, our science-backed health and wellbeing programme, we play a role in this too.  

The power to drive collective change to the health of our community lies with all of us, and we’re excited to continue this journey with the goal of ensuring New Zealanders are the healthiest, best-protected people in the world.