Live for today’s take a short term view of life. They believe that whatever they do is unlikely to have an impact on their health, so what’s the point? They tend to believe in fate, both where their health is concerned, but also for other things in life.
They value their health but believe that leading a healthy lifestyle doesn’t sound like much fun, and think it would be difficult. They don’t think they are any more likely than anyone else to get ill in the future.
They tend to live in deprived areas, which gets them down and they don’t feel that good about themselves, but feel more positive about life than the “Unconfident Fatalists”. They are the segment who are most resistant to change and don’t acknowledge that their health needs to change, unlike the “Unconfident Fatalists”.
11% of adults who took this survey Live for Today, this compares to a predicted 25% of the general population.
Ongoing monitoring, mentoring, evaluation, hands-on or practical approaches are best.
Health check – explicit personalised ‘real status’ away from a health setting to increase personal knowledge. Peer-led interventions such as health trainers.
Co-ordinated approach to multiple issues, but considering each single issue on a stage-by-stage basis. Each single issue should then be delivered in a structured format.
Strong support for these interventions but not motivated to utilise.
Affordable facilities desirable but require support to plan and structure lifestyle. May be signposted to as part of co-ordinated approach to issues (once they have acknowledged their need to change).
Government/NHS branding. Believe GP best source of health advice. Need clear advice to understand and acknowledge need for change. Peer testimonials by others who can demonstrate how ‘people like us can change’. Need to clarify behaviour risk levels and need for change before embarking on intervention. Information on short-term/current risk, supported by a gym fitness plan
Won’t ‘shop around’ for information/advice, so need to go to them. Friends are viewed as positive influencers.
Low level of service use (despite some health issues). This includes low levels of screening attendance. Average levels of satisfaction