By: Lindsay Angelo, Futurist, Strategist, MBA, TEDx Speaker
What is the future of the wellness industry? What segments are poised for growth and innovation? Who will be thrive and who will fail? One thing is certain - the world needs wellness more than ever. And I'm talking wellness beyond wearables and apps. I'm talking a rewilding of humanity - and the mind. Here, I present eight predictions covering mental health, physical health, and spiritual health. Let's dive into the evolving wellness economy!
Eight Wellness Predictions for 2034
1) The Holistic Horizon: Wellness Industry Redefined
As the $1.8 trillion wellness industry evolves, it extends its embrace to holistic health, incorporating mental wellness, physical health and spiritual health into its core. The incorporation of advanced technology, advanced wearable devices, and fitness apps enable this evolution, connecting wellness brands with a broader audience. However, driving this trend is a deeper human desire to integrate all parts of self - mind, body, soul - in the ongoing quest for fulfillment, englightenment and actualization. Globally and in North America, the wellness economy continues to burgeon, with personal care products, personal wellness, fitness apps and even emerging pet wellness brands leading the charge.
2) Health & Wellness: A Tighter Tango
In 2034, the wellness industry has converged with the healthcare industry, shaping the future of health; a future where proactive health has eclipsed reactive health. Immune health, sexual health, and gut health become focal points, influencing health insurance premiums. The wellness spa industry has become a hub for health and wellness experiences, catering to the demands of wellness consumers seeking personal care, emotional embodiment and relaxation. Spa industry advancements resonate not only with healthcare providers but also with social media influencers and micro-influencers, amplifying the message of personal wellness to a broader audience.
3) Meditation Eclipses Yoga: Spirituality Soars
Having worked in corporate strategy for six years for the biggest yogawear player in the world, I've observed firsthand the rise of new-age spirituality. In 2034, new age spirituality has made its way into everyday vernacular due to mental wellness and mental health being prioritized. Although yoga and meditation both maintain their popularity, meditation has eclipsed yoga, thanks to its democratic, accessible nature (downward dog can be challenging for some!) As of this year (2024), the meditation market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 21.44% during 2024-2032.
4) Fitness Revolution: Emotional fitness takes hold
The fitness industry, powered by advancements in technology, witnesses a paradigm shift, defining itself not only by physical fitness but emotional fitness. Technological breakthroughs have ushered in a new era of bio-monitoring devices, smart fitness equipment and wearable devices, leading to a hyper-awareness amongst consumers. From weight loss to nutrition to bio-hacking to health supplements, the industry prioritizes a well-rounded approach to fitness, evident in the burgeoning demand for innovative products and services.
5) At home health: A New Standard
By 2034, at-home testing kits have seamlessly integrated into daily health management, a legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic's push for home-based healthcare solutions. Consumers now routinely use these kits for checking vitamin deficiencies, cold and flu symptoms, and cholesterol levels, valuing the convenience, speed, and frequency of testing at home.
In certain parts of the world, a significant shift has occurred, with much of the population preferring these kits over traditional doctor visits. Initial reservations—stemming from a preference for in-person consultations, perceived lack of need, and concerns over costs and accuracy—have been overcome, establishing at-home diagnostics as a cornerstone of modern healthcare.
6) THE MAGIC ECONOMY: The RISE OF OCCULT SCIENCE
In a surprising twist, the wellness industry has seen the emergence of the "magic economy," where occult science and practices have grown in popularity, driven by a collective desire for profound change, wonder, and hope. This trend is marked by an increasing number of wellness brands repositioning themselves with a "magic" narrative, tapping into ancient wisdom and practices to offer solutions that promise more than just physical or mental well-being—they offer a connection to something greater. Amongst other signals is the University of Exeter's controversial introduction of the first-ever MA in Magic and Occult Sciences in October 2023, representing a significant academic acknowledgment of the field.
7) REWILDING MOVEMENT: A CALL TO RETURN
The rewilding movement continues to gain momentum, encompassing both environmental rewilding efforts and the concept of feminine rewilding. This movement is driven by a realization of the need for a collective rewilding of the mind, as a response to technological overload and a deeper awakening to the constraints of our current societal structures, including the patriarchy. Feminine rewilding, in particular, has gained traction as it empowers individuals to reconnect with their innate strength, intuition, and connection to nature, offering a path to healing and empowerment in contrast to the dominant societal narratives that have defined the past century.
8) Business as Wellness: Introducing the Well-X Economy
This one might sound far-fetched...but stay with me.
In 2034, every business is a wellness business, having unlocked impact-based business models that place customers' self actualization at the forefront.
Well is the new tech. Yes, just as "tech" has permeated every industry (e.g. retail-tech, well-tech, health-tech, etc.) - wellness now does the same. Think, well-retail, well-health, well-energy, well-(insert your industry here).
Every business produces wellness products or services in some way, shape or form, propelling the wellness industry to new heights.
As envisaged in my TED talk, in creating impact-driven business models, brands satiate a societal and planetary thirst for healing.
So What? The Future of Wellness Industry is in Your Hands
The future of the wellness industry unfolds as a tapestry of interconnected elements. In creating a world where "business is wellness", we've taken one of the greatest change agents that exists (business), and unleashed its super powers to heal people and the planet; to rewild our minds - and our world.
Ambitious? Maybe. Necessary? Yes...if we truly want to tackle global problems.
So...calling all brands, organizations, governments and business leaders across all industries...ready to unearth your well-[x] business model? Let's chat!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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The wellness business is booming due to several factors, including the increasing prevalence of health-conscious lifestyles driven by fundamental human needs, and amplified by social media platforms.
As technology continues to advance, futurists and strategist play a crucial role in envisioning how these developments will shape the future of wellness, enabling proactive approaches that align with evolving consumer needs and preferences.
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A wellness vision is crucial due to human needs evolving towards a desire for self actualization and transcendence. Consumers are seeking to be their healthiest self, body, mind, spirit; a force driving wellness trends. Advances in technology are further enabling this, empowering individuals to proactively manage and improve their wellness to maximize quality of life and longevity.
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The overall health and wellness market is growing quickly as a whole however the fastest growing wellness industry is likely to be the corporate wellness sector, driven by corporate initiatives to improve employee well-being and productivity. With a focus on physical fitness programs and holistic wellness approaches, this sector is poised for exponential growth as companies increasingly prioritize employee health to enhance overall performance and reduce healthcare costs. Wellness brands positioned in this sector will reap the benefits. Amongst the wellness economy, another sector poised for steep annual growth is mental wellness and pet wellness with emerging concepts such as Wild Pack.
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About the author
Lindsay Angelo is a celebrated Futurist and Strategist, supporting impact-driven professionals, teams and organizations in learning to think and lead into the future. She holds an MBA, is a TEDx speaker, and has been recognized as an award-winning futurist and strategy consultant. Lindsay's advised Fortune 500 companies, entrepreneurs, think tanks, and the broader wellness industry - all the while creating a nomadic lifestyle rooted in travel, family and community. Named a Woman to Watch and Global Innovation Leader, Lindsay's delivered over 100+ keynotes and has worked with organizations including lululemon, Unilever, the LEGO Group, Snapchat and the Human Potential Institute. She stems from deep wellness roots having spent six years growing lululemon to the biggest yoga brand in the world. Having created the signature "well-thy blueprint" for driving brand growth, Lindsay believes business is the greatest healing agent that exists, if we choose to use it as such.
