“Americans may be overly optimistic when it comes to thinking they won’t ever be diagnosed with a serious illness or experience an accident.” So says a recent Wall Street Journal article covering a report released by Aflac, a major insurance provider. The report, which surveyed 6100 U.S. workers and 1900 benefits representatives in the first quarter of 2012, concludes that “people need to understand that well-being means more than just good health–it’s being prepared for the reality of whatever life may bring and taking the necessary measures to protect themselves and their families.”
I had always assumed this mindset was more characteristic of younger workers (Millennial, Y Generation, Workforce Gap workers) who tend to believe nothing bad can happen to them, than older workers who (through life experience) have a keener sense of their own mortality. I’m also convinced this mindset is not restricted to American workforce (I’ve seen too many counter examples).
Full article available here.