Fifty five percent of Canadians would not give up TV, forty five percent would not give up red meat and 34 would not sacrifice alcohol … even if it would add an additional five healthy years to their lives.

A recent RBC Insurance survey asked Canadians just exactly what they’d give up for this extra time on Earth.

The survey found that more than three-quarters of Canadians agree that they maintain healthy eating habits most of the time. However, men appear to have less willpower when it comes to some indulgences. In fact, 50 percent of men are unwilling to give up red meat to add five healthy years to their lives compared to 40 percent of women. Men are also less willing to give up alcohol (39 per cent) for those extra five years compared to women (28 per cent).

The poll also shows that 55 percent of Canadians feel there is too much stress in their lives, with parents particularly vulnerable to stress. Seven-in-ten (69 per cent) Canadian households with children admitted there is too much stress in their lives, compared to 51 per cent of households without kids. Stress amongst parents seems to be increasing as 57 per cent indicated that they feel more stressed and anxious than they did two years ago.

"High levels of stress can lead to increased health problems as you get older so it's important to protect your family with the right type of insurance policy," said Cathy Preston, head of Life and Health, RBC Insurance.

Canadian parents are concerned about the effects of a death or disability, as three quarters (76 per cent) of Canadians with children worry about what would happen to their family if their income dropped because of death or illness, but only 68 per cent feel like they have enough life insurance for their family's needs.

"The survey suggests that some Canadians are not confident they have enough life insurance," said Preston. "To assist them, a free online customized life insurance guide is available to help determine what type and amount of life insurance they need to protect their family's financial future."