Major Survey Reveals German Public’s Strong Interest and Barriers in Healthy Aging and Longevity

A recent survey by DAK-Gesundheit, conducted by the Forsa Institute, shows that 69% of Germans see potential in Longevity to slow aging and promote healthy life. Despite this optimistic view, only about half of respondents are familiar with the term "Longevity." The survey highlights a significant willingness to improve health actively, with over 70% expressing a desire to do so.

However, key barriers such as time constraints, lack of motivation, and perceived high costs prevent many from engaging in preventive health measures, with 49% currently not utilizing them. Notably, individuals aged 60 to 70 prioritize staying healthy and fit, with 50% emphasizing this goal.

Health behaviors favored to extend healthy life include regular exercise, which 74% of respondents are willing to undertake, social connections valued by 71%, and brain training activities at 62%. Trust in healthcare professionals remains remarkably high, with 90% of the population relying on doctors for health information, a stark contrast to the low trust in social media influencers.

DAK-Gesundheit’s CEO Andreas Storm stressed the importance of improving health literacy, clarifying that Longevity aims not just for longer life but for more years of health and autonomy. These findings will be discussed at the upcoming Longevity Forum in Hamburg, underscoring the issue’s growing public health relevance in Germany.