INDIANAPOLIS (BUSINESS WIRE) — While many Americans may spend the fall months recovering from their summertime activities, this is a great time of year to revisit the resolutions made nine months ago. According to a series of Anthem, Inc. surveys – from August and February – many Americans have fallen off the bandwagon.

“Life got in the way,” was the reason 44 percent didn’t stick to their resolutions. Time (37 percent) and energy (38 percent) are other barriers. And, 83 percent agreed that anything that makes their lives simpler would go a long way towards helping them keep their resolutions. In addition, 71 percent of those who are insured wished their health insurance plan made their life simpler.

“We recognize this challenge,” said Pam Kehaly, president of Anthem Inc.’s Specialty business and West region. “And it’s interesting to see that the survey results indicate that simplifying things by providing integrated benefits to consumers can save them time and energy, so they can instead devote their time and energy towards other priorities, like their New Year’s resolutions, many of which are related to improving their health.”

So, what are some of the resolutions? Health improvements topped the list of goals for resolution makers: four in ten (38 percent) of Americans resolved to exercise, while three in 10 Americans resolved to lose weight (32 percent) and also have a healthier diet (30 percent).

Back in February, “lack of motivation” was the reason more than half of those surveyed (59 percent) had trouble keeping their resolutions. In fact, while last winter many were candid about the difficulties they were facing, by August three in ten (29 percent) confessed they make the same resolutions every year and never keep it.

Integrated benefits can be a solution that helps people stay on track and meet their health goals. Survey results show that Americans welcome an integrated benefits approach. For example:

Streamlined communications, better service, less stress and a healthier workplace are some of the advantages of having integrated benefits. For example, integrated benefits have helped 21 percent of employees with disability claims return to work early, reducing their average disability time by seven days. 1 This translates into 40 more hours of productivity and a nearly 10 percent reduction in disability costs.

Employers and employees overwhelmingly agree with the advantages of having integrated benefits and intuitively understand the connection between the eyes, teeth and overall health. It makes good business sense for employers and it can help simplify the lives of Americans so they can put their time and energy towards staying on track with their resolutions.