Atomica Sports Marketing: Articles

Health & Lifestyle Marketing Trends Article

2006.01.05

Global Wellness Industry Set to Explode
"One seventh, $1.5 trillion, of the U.S. economy today is devoted to the healthcare business, what Paul Zane Pilzer refers to as the "Sickness Industry." However, by the year 2010, an additional $1 trillion of the economy will be devoted to products and services that keep us healthy, make us look or feel better, slow down the effects of aging, and prevent diseases from developing altogether. The implications of the shift to proactive wellness are far reaching from health to beauty to food to medicine." (The Wellness Revolution)

"The Global nutrition industry reaches $150 billion on 7.7% growth: NBJ presents a regional review of dietary supplements, functional foods and natural & organic foods." (Nutrition Business Journal)

The Age Wave Outlook
"The Alliance for Aging Research reports that large majorities of aging American’s consider eating nutritious foods (87%), having a positive outlook (90%), exercising regularly (86%), keeping stress to a minimum (80%), and getting routine physical exams (79%) as "very important" or "essential" to stay healthy as one grows older.

The belief that individuals can take responsibility for their own health is accompanied by widespread views that having access to the best medical treatments (84%) and being able to afford medications (87%) are very important or essential to stay healthy as one ages. Also of importance are having new scientific and medical breakthroughs (72%), having access to Health cares information (67%), and access to alternative medicines and treatments (63%)." (International Council on Active Aging )

Global Aging Signs For a New Movement
As of January 1, 2003, the 80+ million American Baby Boomers will range between 40 and 57 years of age. Between now and 2010, they will traverse their 40s, 50s, and into their 60s. By the end of the decade, they will range in age from 50 to 67. (The American Fitness Industry’s Plan for Growth)
"This global aging is what's really responsible for what we call the soft exercise movement. The soft exercise movement is yoga and pilates. And those types of activities are becoming more and more popular because they're more appropriate to the age group. Pilates has been around for decades. Yoga's been around for millennium. And nobody was paying attention to it in the public. Why? We weren't ready. We weren't old enough." (fitCommerce.com – Mike Chaet)

Women Are Key to Success in the Fitness Club Industry
"Beyond the obvious, this difference is aptly illustrated in the fact that 85% of all participants in group exercise classes are women. Why? Well, group exercise classes fulfill the all-important wants, needs and desires of those attending. She wants group interactivity with other adults. She generally desires some structured instruction. She needs that social interaction as a stress reliever because, at least for the mothers, they've been taking care of young kids all day. Men, on the other hand, resist instructors and may want to get away from other adults and like working out alone. Accept this trend as one that's unlikely to go away." (fitCommerce.com – Mike Chaet)

Healthier Eating
More than 65% of Americans have adopted healthier eating habits, reports the US National Restaurants Association. Nutritional foods are being taken from the traditional domain of the health food store and into supermarkets and restaurants.

McDonald’s, the world’s largest fast-food chain, has in recent years evolved its corporate strategy to a more healthier, conscious menu. The healthier eating trends are forcing McDonald’s to adjust to the market in order to revive sales.
We have seen rapid development of juice bars that provide a healthy alternative to the traditional liquid drinks. There has been an increased demand for soy and low-fat products. Moreover, people have become increasingly interested in organic foods.
People are more aware of the positive benefits from eating healthy. Experts have been telling us to eat more fruits and vegetables, maintain the balanced diet, exercise and so forth. But what really motivates people to take action? The realization that we are all vulnerable to disease, sickness, and aging. (Atomica Sports Marketing, Inc.)

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