58% of Smokers Wouldn't Quit for 10 Years of Extra Life, According to Vantis Life

Over half (58%) of American smokers would not give up smoking, even if it meant they could live 10 years longer, according to new research released by Vantis Life.

The survey of over 2,000 Americans* investigated respondents’ current habits and how willing they would be to change. Of those surveyed, a similar percentage of drinkers (57%) and fatty food eaters (56%) were unwilling to change.

Phoenix residents are the least likely to adapt their lifestyles, with 71% of smokers saying they would rather continue smoking than live a decade longer, almost 20% more than New Yorkers (52%). The Arizona city came out on top for all four categories (smoking, drinking, fatty foods and not exercising).

Other key findings from the survey included:

• Female smokers are more stubborn than men – 63% wouldn’t give it up for 10 years extra life compared to 54% of men
• 21-24–year-olds are the most attached to fatty foods – 58% wouldn’t give them up for another decade of life
• Only 44% of those surveyed said they exercise regularly

When asked about their attitudes towards death, the majority of Americans would rather not know anything about it. Only 28% of those surveyed said they want to know when they’ll die. Younger people were the most likely to want to know, with 40% wanting the information, compared to just 22% of those over 55.

Alison Robb, Senior Marketing Specialist from Vantis Life, commented on the results:

“We conducted this survey to determine if Americans were aware of the health and life expectancy impact of their habits. We were surprised by how unwilling people were to give up habits they know are unhealthy, even if it meant living longer.”

“On the bright side, we were pleasantly surprised that young people are willing to talk about issues around death and dying. 21-24–year-olds are almost one-fifth more likely to talk about death than those over 55. We hope this attitude leads to good decisions that help them prepare effectively for their futures, no matter what happens.”

For more analysis of the survey results please visit the Vantis Life blog https://www.vantislife.com/10-years-more

Notes for Editors

• Results gathered from a survey of 2,009 respondents from Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, and Phoenix conducted on behalf of Vantis Life by Censuswide in November 2018.
• Full results available on request.
• For further information and bespoke quotes, contact Jennie Lindehoff at Search Laboratory by emailing jennie.lindehoff@searchlaboratory.com or by calling +44 (0113) 2121211.

About Vantis Life

Established in 1942, Vantis Life Insurance Company’s primary goal is to provide families affordable life insurance products. Vantis Life markets its products through financial institutions and direct to the consumer. The Company prides itself on providing simple, easy-to-afford products to middle-income American families and supporting these products with attentive and personal customer service. Vantis Life is a separately operated subsidiary of The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190326005096/en/