Different Ages, Different Diseases: A Look at the Medical Vulnerabilities of Young to Senior Workers

The modern working world demands a fast-paced rhythm. Behind high corporate targets lies the most fundamental asset determining success: the physical and mental condition of workers. Unfortunately, employee health often only receives attention once illness has already struck. Many company managements are trapped in a cycle of merely providing curative medical facilities, without truly understanding the real risks their staff face on the ground. This mismatch not only triggers a surge in medical cost claims but also leads to declining work performance.

This gap in medical facility provision was a key focus during the launch of the Employee Health Benefit Report 2026 by Halodoc in Jakarta on Thursday (16/7/2026). Based on observations of the current work situation, the majority of business actors still implement protection policies that are less than comprehensive. Halodoc’s Head of Human Resources, Ruth Novalinda, stated that most companies still concentrate their budgets solely on standard treatment aspects. “Many companies focus more on curative measures, for instance, around 89 percent on outpatient care and then additional inpatient care. In reality, only 9 percent have a comprehensive policy covering inpatient, outpatient, dental, optical, and even maternity care,” she explained.

In fact, relying on a uniform medical policy for all staff is now considered no longer effective. Each individual has different vulnerabilities, heavily influenced by factors such as age, gender, and even their daily work environment. According to data compiled by Halodoc during the first three months of 2026, the types of diseases attacking specific age groups show very specific patterns. Young workers under 30 years old, for example, exhibit a high tendency to suffer from acute respiratory infections (ARI) or influenza.

Halodoc’s Chief of Medical, dr. Irwan Heriyanto, MARS, explained that high mobility and social interaction in public spaces are the main triggers for this group’s vulnerability. “It might be related to their activities, or perhaps a lack of ability to maintain health. Or it could be due to transportation conditions, because they are in very close proximity. Someone sneezes and it might affect everyone, so it is very natural for those under 30 to be affected by this disease,” he said.