Three Trends Driving the Health, Wellness + Nutrition Industry, From Telehealth to Superfoods
Over the past year and a half, the health industry has gone through one of the most rapid changes in the way professionals practice medicine noted in history, records The George Washington University. In 2020, the telehealth market was valued at 64.45 billion and GlobeNewswire expects it to grow a whopping 26.5% reaching a value of 475.5 billion by 2026. These changes in the healthcare industry have redefined not only the way consumers and professionals approach healthcare, but they changed the way individuals practice daily wellness and refocus values onto personal mental and physical health.
Healthcare Where it Helps
Telemedicine skyrocketed over the past year and a half, and professionals believe it is now considered a primary source of healthcare here to stay. During a time when consumers and businesses are restricting social situations to mitigate the spread of illness, telehealth allows individuals to receive care from the safety and comfort of home. Virtual appointments are also incredibly convenient, supporting those with busy schedules, long commutes, lack of transportation, or disabilities that reduce mobility. Dr. Shantany Nudy shares that with a wave of boomers practicing medicine about to retire, the new wave of medical professionals represents the highest percentage of females and minorities in medicine. This new generation of health professionals, are more likely to implement telehealth to convenience and protect their patients who feel underrepresented.
Total Wellbeing
Two-thirds of consumers are taking a proactive approach to healthy living to reduce stress and prevent illness with healthy routines. Wellness is not a once size fits all and individuals are looking for health and wellness support that is personalized to them. Whether through an app, personalized schedule, healing alternatives, activities to balance a busy lifestyle, or incentive programs, consumers want support that will fit their lifestyle. Mintel reports that one area where consumers need support is creating healthy routines. This means creating wellness rituals that people can work into regular practice and not overwhelming them with too many products and practices at once.
Food for the Mind, Body + Soul
When asked what wellness meant to them, 49% of surveyed individuals said that there was an added focus on healthy eating and nutrition. However, 33% of those surveyed find a barrier between healthy eating and cost. Colin Stewart, Vice President of Acosta, claims that this offers an exciting opportunity for brands to become trusted resources for health-conscious consumers looking for guidance and transparency for affordable and healthy products and information. With nutrition at the forefront of wellness for many consumers, Healthline suggests superfoods that are high in antioxidants, minerals, and healthy fats but also is built to fit a realistic lifestyle will be among top nutrition trends in 2021.