What Canadians Wouldn't Give Up to Add Five Healthy Years to Their Lives

Toronto, ON - Many Canadians have apparently become so attached to a few indulgences in life that they wouldn't give them up - even to add five healthy years to their lifespan - according to a new Ipsos Reid poll conducted on behalf of RBC Insurance. A majority (55%) of men and women wouldn't give up watching television even if it would add five healthy years to their lives, while others wouldn't give up red meat (45%), chocolate (40%), or alcohol (34%). Still, three quarters (76%) `agree' (22% strongly/54% somewhat) that they `maintain healthy eating habits most of the time'.

Men and women do not wholly agree when it comes to which of life's indulgences they'd be unwilling to part with: fully one half (50%) of men wouldn't give up red meat in order to add five years, compared to four in ten (40%) women who wouldn't part with red meat. On the other hand, nearly one half (45%) of women wouldn't give up chocolate, while only one in three (34%) men wouldn't be willing to give up chocolate to add five years. Finally, men (39%) are significantly more likely than women (28%) to say they'd be unwilling to give up beer, wine or alcohol.

When it comes to the health of Canadians, aside from their eating and drinking habits, a majority (55%) `agrees' (17% strongly/38% somewhat) that they `generally feel there is too much stress' in their life, the proportion of which increases to 69% among those with children living in the household, and decreases to 51% among those without kids in the household. In fact, a majority (57%) of parents `agree' (22% strongly/35% somewhat) that they are `feeling more stressed and anxious than two years ago'.

One in three (35%) Canadians `disagrees' (14% strongly/21% somewhat) that they `have enough life insurance for their family's needs'. In fact, a majority (56%) overall `agrees' (22% strongly/34% somewhat) that they `worry about what would happen to their family if their household income dropped because of death or illness', with three quarters (76%) of those with children agreeing.

These are some of the findings of an Ipsos Reid poll conducted between November 2 5, 2009, on behalf of RBC Insurance. For this survey, a national sample of 1,032 adults from Ipsos' Canadian online panel was interviewed online. Weighting was then employed to balance demographics and ensure that the sample's composition reflects that of the adult population according to Census data and to provide results intended to approximate the sample universe. A survey with an unweighted probability sample of this size and a 100% response rate would have an estimated margin of error of +/-3.1 percentage points 19 times out of 20 of what the results would have been had the entire population of adults in Canada been polled. All sample surveys and polls may be subject to other sources of error, including, but not limited to coverage error, and measurement error.

For more information on this news release, please contact:
Sean Simpson
Research Manager
Ipsos Reid
Public Affairs
(416) 572-4474
[email protected]

About Ipsos Reid
Ipsos Reid is Canada's market intelligence leader, the country's leading provider of public opinion research, and research partner for loyalty and forecasting and modelling insights. With operations in eight cities, Ipsos Reid employs more than 600 research professionals and support staff in Canada. The company has the biggest network of telephone call centres in the country, as well as the largest pre-recruited household and online panels. Ipsos Reid's marketing research and public affairs practices offer the premier suite of research vehicles in Canada, all of which provide clients with actionable and relevant information. Staffed with seasoned research consultants with extensive industry-specific backgrounds, Ipsos Reid offers syndicated information or custom solutions across key sectors of the Canadian economy, including consumer packaged goods, financial services, automotive, retail, and technology & telecommunications. Ipsos Reid is an Ipsos company, a leading global survey-based market research group.

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About Ipsos

Ipsos is a leading global survey-based market research company, owned and managed by research professionals. Ipsos helps interpret, simulate, and anticipate the needs and responses of consumers, customers, and citizens around the world.

Member companies assess market potential and interpret market trends. They develop and build brands. They help clients build long-term relationships with their customers. They test advertising and study audience responses to various media. They measure public opinion around the globe.

Ipsos member companies offer expertise in advertising, customer loyalty, marketing, media, and public affairs research, as well as forecasting, modeling, and consulting. Ipsos has a full line of custom, syndicated, omnibus, panel, and online research products and services, guided by industry experts and bolstered by advanced analytics and methodologies. The company was founded in 1975 and has been publicly traded since 1999.

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