The initiative is the first menopause-focused support scheme introduced by a life insurance provider in Australia, aiming to offer rehabilitative assistance to those affected by menopause-related symptoms which impede their work performance and overall life enjoyment.
Data from AIA revealed that women in the targeted age bracket are significantly more prone to experience conditions related to musculoskeletal health or mental wellness issues, such as depression or anxiety, than their male counterparts.
These health challenges are often linked to the hormonal changes brought about by menopause, particularly the decrease in oestrogen levels, a naturally anti-inflammatory hormone.
Scheduled to begin this month, the pilot phase of AIA’s menopause program is designed to deliver targeted support to claimants battling with mental or physical health conditions that show no signs of improvement and may be exacerbated by menopause or perimenopause.
Qualified participants will benefit from a series of four tailored health coaching sessions. These sessions, led by health professionals with a specialisation in women’s health, will cover topics including an overview of menopause, the long-term health impacts associated with it, and lifestyle strategies to counter these effects. Guidance towards the Australasian Menopause Society (AMS) for further assistance is also included.
Simonie Fox, head of shared value at AIA, emphasised the importance of the program in providing necessary support for women undergoing perimenopause, a period often overlooked by the medical community.
“We know that women in their 40s and 50s can suffer greatly from the symptoms of perimenopause both mentally and physically. It can have such significant impact that they are unable to work and carry on with their lives. Yet, there is little help available as most GPs lack training on the issue,” she said. “This program means we can now support women through this phase, inform, educate, and empower them so they can feel healthy again and return to work sooner. It also means we can enhance their physical and mental health, thereby preventing the onset of later-in-life chronic diseases like heart disease, arthritis, osteoporosis, and dementia.”
The menopause support program is incorporated into AIA Embrace, AIA’s suite of programs and partnerships dedicated to enhancing health and wellbeing across all life stages.
AIA also recently launched a new brand campaign to celebrate the 10th year anniversary of its health and wellbeing program.
