ANDOVER, England, January 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the results of a recent survey carried out by healthcare provider Simplyhealth, affordability is key to maintaining the health and wellbeing of the nation's ageing population. In fact, nearly 45% of over 70s said that if access to healthy living was more affordable, it would help them keep fit and active.

With 16% of the UK's population aged 65 and over (Source: Office of National Statistics, June 2010), there is a real need for improvements to be made to the affordability of healthy living, if Britain is to manage this growing demographic. With this in mind, and in response to customer demand, Simplyhealth has launched the Simply Cash Plan 70 Plus, for individuals aged 70 and over.

Clare Lee, spokesperson for Simplyhealth comments: "According to our research, a reassuring 58% of over 70s do attend regular health appointments. Yet, 26% said that they needed extra encouragement to regularly attend routine health appointments. That's why we've launched Simplyhealth's new Simply Cash Plan 70 Plus, to help those over the age of 70 better budget for their everyday healthcare needs.

"As with our standard cash plan, individuals can claim money back for visits to the dentist, optician and chiropractor. In addition, it includes exclusive benefits such as occupational therapy, hearing aid payment and an introductory 20% discount on mobility products and daily living aids* from the Simplyhealth stores, and all this starts at just GBP9.95 a month. Our plan offers value for money and is the only plan in the market to offer an occupational therapy benefit for those aged 70 and over."

The Simply Cash Plan 70 Plus can be bought over the phone on 0800 072 5846. For further information about Simplyhealth please visit http://www.simplyhealth.co.uk.

*Offer ends 31 December 2011

Notes to Editor

- The research was conducted by Opinion Matters using an online fieldwork methodology. 1,002 adults aged 55 and over were surveyed between 22 December 2010 and 4 January 2011

- We have been providing healthcare solutions for nearly 140 years, through cash plans, dental plans, private medical insurance, healthcare trusts and mobility and living aids

- Simplyhealth is a trading name of Simplyhealth Access, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority

For further information, please bother us at: http://www.simplyhealth.co.uk/media-centre