Sustainability. It can mean different things to different people. The traditional view is that it applies to protecting the Earth; changing our laws, our businesses or the way we eat, work and play so that the planet can still support us into the future. But a truly sustainable society is about more than the environment. It includes accessible health and social care systems, employment chances for all, and old age filled with opportunity. It’s our responsibility to ensure society creates the conditions for our children to have a better quality of life than us. The future of society is reliant on healthy people and a healthy planet.
Threats to the planet pose a direct risk to our health. Lack of clean air and water, dwindling natural resources, insecurity over food supply, and climate change will all have a significant impact. We’re happier when we spend time in the natural environment, and nature provides us with the food and fuel we need to exist. At the same time, societies around the world are also grappling with the twin challenges posed by rapidly ageing populations and the spread of modern lifestyles characterised by unhealthy eating habits and low levels of physical activity.
Fundamentally, we all wish to lead fulfilling, healthy lives. It makes it easier to provide for our families, and spend time on more rewarding activities. As with the health of the planet, human health can be better improved through prevention – leading a healthier life, as opposed to being treated later, when confronted by illness and disease.
According to the World Health Organization, 80 per cent of all people who have a chronic disease could have prevented it. The risk of developing a chronic condition such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease and lung disease can be reduced by healthier eating habits, being more active and smoking less. Healthy behaviours also typically support a healthy planet. Simple changes, such as cycling instead of driving, can have far – reaching benefits.
This is why at Bupa we’re evolving our approach to healthcare. Encouraging healthy behaviours can improve our own health, the viability of health systems around the world and support a healthy planet. We’re committed to empowering millions of people around the world to make positive changes that make them healthier and happier, and support a healthy planet. By encouraging healthier people we can create shared value for society and our business.
