Lifestyle and habit changes during the pandemic – June 22, 2021

June 22, 2021

This survey explores the perspectives of Canadians and Americans on lifestyle changes during the pandemic.

As many plan to get back to “normal” soon, we asked Canadians and Americans to look back on the past year and tell us how their lifestyles and habits ended up changing.

This survey is conducted in collaboration with the Association for Canadian Studies (ACS) and published in the Canadian Press. This series of surveys is available on Leger’s website.

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DOWNLOAD THE FULL REPORT AT THE END OF THIS ARTICLE.


Lifestyle and habit changes during the pandemic

  • 29% of Canadians and 23% of Americans admit that their (and/or their family’s) health, finances, and lifestyle are worse off than before the pandemic.
29% of Canadians and 23% of Americans admit that their (and/or their family’s) health, finances, and lifestyle are worse off than before the pandemic.
  • Among Canadians, the following things have increased since the start of the pandemic:
    • 39% have gained weight;
    • 16% have increased their alcohol consumption.
  • Among Canadians, the following things have decreased since the start of the pandemic:
    • 37% have decreased their level of physical activity;
    • 30% have less disposable income each month.
Behavioral changes among Canadians.
  • Among Americans, the following things have increased since the start of the pandemic:
    • 26% have gained weight;
    • 12% have increased their alcohol consumption.
  • Among Americans, the following things have decreased since the start of the pandemic:
    • 20% have decreased their level of physical activity;
    • 25% have less disposable income each month.
Behavioral changes among Americans.

THE EVOLUTION OF THE PANDEMIC

  • 66% of Canadians believe that the worst of the crisis in Canada is behind them – the highest percentage since the pandemic began (March, 2020).

METHODOLOGY

This web survey was conducted from June 18, 2021 to June 20, 2021 with 1,542 Canadians and 1,001 Americans, 18 years of age or older, randomly recruited from LEO’s online panel.

For comparison, a probability sample of 1,542 respondents would have a margin of error of ±2.49%, 19 times out of 20, while a probability sample of 1,001 would have a margin of error of ±3.09%, 19 times out of 20. 

THIS REPORT CONTAINS THE RESULTS FOR THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS AND MORE!

  • Overall, when you compare to how things like health, finances, and lifestyle were for you (and, if applicable, your family) before the pandemic, are you…
  • Thinking now of the future and the post-pandemic period, how will your behaviours change?
  • Do you feel optimistic about the next year for Canada/the United States?
  • What statement best describes your personal opinion of the COVID-19 crisis for Canada/United States?​

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