As the proud sponsor of Heartbreak Hill for the second consecutive year, AIA Australia introduced an innovative initiative. Ambassadors Shane Crawford, Sam Gash, and Guy Leech participated by running additional miles on a treadmill stationed at the summit of the hill. For every mile completed, AIA committed to donating to the Black Dog Institute, a renowned mental health research and support organisation.
This initiative comes in response to concerning data released by AIA Australia. Their claims data revealed a significant rise in mental health-related disability claims. Specifically, these claims grew from 15% of all AIA claims in 2014 to 23% in 2024, with projections indicating a continued upward trend into 2025. Alarmingly, payments for mental health claims nearly doubled from $280 million in 2023 to $557 million in 2024. Notably, individuals under 40 accounted for a substantial portion of these claims, highlighting the widespread impact of mental health issues across various age groups.
Damien Mu, CEO of AIA Australia, emphasised the company's commitment to addressing this challenge. He highlighted the importance of raising awareness and empowering Australians to adopt protective behaviours that enhance overall wellbeing. Physical activity, such as participating in events like City2Surf, has been identified as a key preventive measure supporting mental health.
For fitness professionals, this partnership underscores the critical role they play in promoting mental wellbeing through physical activity. As the demand for mental health support grows, fitness trainers and instructors are uniquely positioned to offer programs that not only enhance physical health but also provide significant mental health benefits. Engaging clients in regular exercise routines can serve as a preventive strategy against mental health issues, aligning with the broader national effort to combat this crisis.
In conclusion, AIA Australia's collaboration with City2Surf represents a proactive approach to tackling the mental health crisis in Australia. By integrating physical activity with mental health initiatives, they highlight the interconnectedness of physical and mental wellbeing. Fitness professionals are encouraged to recognise their pivotal role in this landscape, offering services that cater to both the physical and mental health needs of their clients.
