The 2024 Women’s Wellness Index: Empowering Mothers to Prioritize Their Health
In a world where the demands of family, work, and personal commitments often overshadow individual needs, the 2024 Women’s Wellness Index by PYMNTS Intelligence shines a light on the critical factors influencing women’s health. This comprehensive analysis delves into various aspects of health outcomes, including overall health, healthcare access, personal health spending, and the time dedicated to self-care. By examining these elements, the Index provides valuable insights into the resources necessary to support women’s well-being.
Moms Make Their Own Health a Bigger Priority
Over the past three years, a notable shift has occurred among mothers regarding their health priorities. The data reveals that 46% of mothers in nuclear families and 43% of single mothers have begun to emphasize their own well-being more than before. This newfound focus encompasses a range of actions, from setting personal health goals to allocating more financial resources and time for self-care. The implications of this shift are significant, as prioritizing health is closely linked to improved health outcomes.
However, the Index also highlights a concerning trend: 12% of mothers in nuclear families and 14% of single mothers have deprioritized their health in the same timeframe. In contrast, only 6.5% of cohabitating women without children reported a similar decline in wellness priorities. This disparity underscores the unique challenges faced by mothers, who often juggle multiple responsibilities while trying to maintain their health.
Interestingly, the data indicates that fathers are more likely than mothers to prioritize their own health after having children. For instance, 56% of single fathers and 48% of cohabiting fathers reported an increased focus on their health in the last three years. This trend may reflect the disproportionate caregiving burden that mothers often shoulder, which can lead to neglecting their own health needs.
Women Who Prioritize Their Own Health Average Better Health Outcomes
The Women’s Wellness Index synthesizes a variety of indicators to measure health outcomes, revealing a clear correlation between prioritizing personal health and achieving better health results. Women who have shifted their focus to prioritize their own health in the past three years scored 5% higher on the Index, indicating that their increased investment in wellness yields tangible benefits.
Conversely, women who have deprioritized their health experienced a staggering 17% drop in their Index scores compared to the average. Alarmingly, mothers are twice as likely to neglect their health compared to women cohabitating without children. This decline in health outcomes not only affects mothers but also has potential repercussions for their families, as a mother’s well-being is often intertwined with the health of those she cares for.
The data suggests that intentionality regarding health is a protective factor for women, even when mothers still tend to prioritize the health of others over their own. For mothers to be in optimal shape to care for their families, they must also invest in their own health—be it through time, energy, or financial resources.
Women Who Prioritize Their Health Spend $263 More on Their Health Each Month
Financial investment in health is another critical aspect highlighted by the Index. Women who prioritize their health spend an average of $901 per month on wellness, which is $263 more than those who have not adjusted their health priorities. This increase in spending is not merely a reflection of poor health; rather, it indicates a proactive approach to wellness.
Interestingly, women who reported deteriorating health in the past three years were less likely to prioritize their health. Among this group, 18% deprioritized their health, spending an average of $720 monthly. This figure, while higher than those who did not change their health priorities, likely reflects the increased medical expenses associated with poor health rather than a strategic investment in wellness.
The findings underscore the importance of proactive health spending, particularly for mothers, who often bear the brunt of caregiving responsibilities. By prioritizing their health and making intentional financial investments, mothers can not only improve their own well-being but also enhance their ability to care for their families.
Conclusion
The 2024 Women’s Wellness Index reveals a significant trend among mothers: an increasing emphasis on their own health and well-being. This shift is linked to better health outcomes, demonstrating that empowering mothers to embrace their wellness pays off. Women who prioritize their health spend, on average, $263 more than their counterparts, and this investment translates into improved health.
Intentionality about health is crucial for mothers seeking to achieve better health outcomes. By making a concerted effort to budget for their own wellness, mothers can reap the rewards of improved health, ultimately benefiting both themselves and their families.
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Methodology
The 2024 Women’s Wellness Index: Women’s Life Stage Priorities in Health and Wellness is a collaboration between PYMNTS Intelligence and CareCredit, a Synchrony solution. The Index is based on a survey of 10,045 U.S. consumers conducted from November 10, 2023, to December 6, 2023. The survey explored how women’s finances, time, and social context impact their overall health and well-being. Our sample was census-balanced across key demographic variables, with the average respondent being 48 years old, 51% identifying as women, 33% holding college degrees, and 38% reporting incomes of $100,000 or more per year.
