Financial stress is causing health problems for at least one-in-five adults between the ages of 45 and above, it has been revealed.

According to a survey by AARP a growing number of people are worried about their jobs, retirement savings and how to fend for their families and this is resulting in health issues for them.

AARP Illinois senior state director, Bob Gallo, explained in a statement that: “It’s a harsh irony that worrying about being able to afford healthcare is actually causing health problems.”

The survey further found that sharply rising healthcare costs are adding to financial troubles for many consumers.

And that health insurance premiums rose in the last five years by 65 per cent for many families.

For an American family, it said, the average cost of health insurance has gone higher than the yearly income of a minimum wage worker.

Also, based on the findings of a Kaiser Family Foundation study, the insurance premiums have increased 119 per cent from 1999 to 2008, as opposed to the 29 per cent rise in worker’s income.