AIA members of its wellbeing program increase physical activity by up to 51% when they take up an Apple Watch that is offered as a benefit, the life insurer said today.

Members of the AIA Vitality program who choose to take up the benefit receive the wearable device upfront and can then reduce their monthly payments to zero by meeting physical activity goals.

AIA says its data found a 35% increase in activity for members who used their watch to track their fitness, with those in the 50 and above age group seeing the biggest rise in physical activity.

Since July 2020, members of the AIA Vitality program have had the opportunity to earn an Apple Watch by reaching weekly physical activity targets.

“We believe strongly in the research and science-backed approach of our AIA Vitality program,” AIA Australia and New Zealand CEO and MD Damien Mu said.

“Higher engagement in physical activity is directly correlated to better health outcomes, and these results show how powerful the use of Apple Watch can be when combined with a program like ours, to motivate and engage Australians to take small steps to improve their health and wellbeing.”

In a separate media release, AIA says it has partnered with the Australasian Menopause Society to support the group’s efforts to drive awareness about the commonly overlooked life stage of menopause.

About two million women in Australia have recently gone through menopause and approximately 80,000 women move into the post-menopausal stage each year.

AIA says there can be a lack of understanding about the symptoms of menopause, which are often diagnosed as predominately mental health-related and therefore not managed optimally.

“At AIA Australia we have a strong belief in the importance of early intervention so that our customers get the right treatment, before their condition worsens,” Chief Shared Value and Marketing Officer Stephanie Phillips said.

“We’re pleased to be working with the Australasian Menopause Society so we can empower women experiencing menopause to know that they are not alone and there is a wide range of support available if they need it.”