Ever since a variety of wearable devices to track health and fitness goals have flooded the market, more people have become aware of the need to live a healthier lifestyle.
However, not everyone has been able to buy these devices, as most of them are expensive. For example, an Apple watch costs upwards of $350.
Now, a company called Vitality has come up with a novel idea. It is offering Apple watches at just $25!
"Apple Watch will motivate and reward Vitality members to get active. Apple Watch ties seamlessly into the overall goals and mission of Vitality to foster health improvement and help people lead healthier lives," said Alan Pollard, CEO of The Vitality Group.
Apple supports the initiative. "We all live busy lives, but the truth is, if doctors could write one prescription for the world, it would be activity. The beauty of this program is members are going to get healthier," said Jeff Williams, Apple's chief operating officer.
"Vitality shares our conviction that being active has a powerful impact on people's lives. We are thrilled that Apple Watch will be helping Vitality members live a healthier day by being more active," Williams added.
The idea has been adopted by companies like Amgen, Lockton, United Healthcare and DaVita HealthCare Partners. The employees of these companies have the option of buying Apple watches at $25. But there is a catch.
Employees have to participate in a two-year health and fitness program and also meet personalized monthly targets. These will be monitored by the respective companies. If an employee is unable to meet the goals, he or she has to pay the company the actual cost of the watch.
The program has been introduced in the United States after a successful test run to check its effectiveness. 17,000 participants have already enrolled in the program in South Africa.
"Amgen is committed to the health and well-being of its staff members. The enhancement of Vitality Active Rewards with Apple Watch means our employees will reap even greater benefits of making healthy choices," said Stuart Tross, the senior vice president of Human Resources at Amgen.
"We are proud to be the first company in the U.S. to link life insurance with personalized health technology. And with Apple Watch, our policyholders can automatically monitor their progress toward living longer, healthier lives. John Hancock is changing the conversation around life insurance, making life insurance relevant for new generations of consumers," said Michael Doughty, president, John Hancock Insurance.
