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Will I Really Be Able To Get Enough Clients?
The Health and Wellness and Self Help market will continue to expand and mature, driven by substantial, long-term trends. Key trends that are driving growth in these market include:
Growing Influence of Aging Boomers
Just as boomers have redefined every other life stage that they have encountered, so too will they transform their retirement and pre-retirement years. From choosing healthy foods and beverages to seeking preventive healthcare services and health information, the boomers are in the process of changing the model of healthcare in the U.S.
Search for the Fountain of Youth
In addition to living healthier longer, boomers are striving to look younger longer as well. This longing for the fountain of youth has resulted in strong growth in the number of health related industries over the past 5 years.
Gen Y – Kids
The generation of young adults and kids coming of age today are the most diagnosed, most labeled generation in history. Issues confronting this population include concerns around increased incidence of behavioral health problems including ADD/ADHD, as well as physical health issues such as rising rates of obesity, allergies, and asthma.
Battle of the Bulge
During the past 20 years, obesity among adults has risen significantly in the U.S., to the point where studies show 64.5% of U.S. adults are obese. The increase is not limited to adults – 1 in 4 children are overweight. Obesity increases the risk of many diseases and health conditions, and associated medical costs represent staggering liabilities for insurers, employers and the government.
Healthcare Delivery is Changing
Increasingly, mainstream physicians are incorporating fitness, nutrition and prevention programs as standard practice and insurers are covering preventative treatments, nutrition and general “wellness” therapies in addition to conventional medical and health treatments.
Adults aged 30 to 65, particularly the baby boomer generation, are having the greatest influence on the expansion of the natural health and alternative medicine industry. They are looking to alternative medicine to help alleviate some of the problems and expenses associated with traditional health care. They are exploring natural supplements and treatments that may be more effective and affordable than conventional approaches. And, they are taking active step to seek out better solutions for their business, family, and personal lives.
With more Americans subscribing to natural medicine options, a wellness life style industry has evolved and boomed across the mainstream. Striving to compete and survive in this industry, a wide range of business and institutions have made extensive efforts to meet the public’s growing demand for products and services that support the pursuit of wellness.
The Future of Wellness
With the mainstream continuing to show keen interest in natural medicine therapies, the job outlook for the wellness industry remains strong. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, alternative medicine professions such as chiropractic, massage therapy and nutrition can anticipate average to above average job growth rates through 2016.
As more businesses expand their product offerings and markets, individuals with wellness expertise will find job opportunities not only as practitioners but in administrative areas where their experience will make a difference to marketing, sales, research and development.
The Rewards of Delivering Wellness
Contributing to the wellbeing of the clients they serve stands among the key rewards that the wellness industry offers its practitioners. They help patients conquer chronic pain, recover from a debilitating injury or simply learn the means to decrease stress, and, as a result, dramatically change lives.
With immeasurable rewards and a positive job outlook, the wellness industry promises to continue its boom through the next decade. The public’s urge to take a holistic approach to health will keep the industry thriving and eager to make the wellness life style accessible to all.
