How the digital economy is fueling the wellness industry

By: Cesilia Faustina

The health and wellness sector are multi-billion dollar industries. The concept of health and wanting to have a healthy life has always existed since ancient times, however, it really gained momentum in the 1950s-1970s thanks to the influence of a network of well-known physicians and thinkers in the US. The wellness industry today has a much more different concept. What was once a top-down approach to health, where health information would be distributed from dominant thinkers and prestigious institutions, has turned into a participatory approach. The public can now easily receive information about health through various sources and distributors, something made especially apparent with the rise of the digital economy.

Acceleration of the wellness industry is made possible through the creation of the web. Information about what to eat, how to exercise, and even self-diagnoses is available through the digital sphere, and people sure are making use of this information. Thanks to all the information available through the simple use of a mobile phone, it has endorsed the notion of staying healthy and contributed to the industry’s popularity. The global wellness economy is valued at $4.5 trillion in 2018 and this sector has only accelerated since the start of COVID-19. As this market is continuing its rise to the top, let us look at some of the digital trends that are making the health industry tick.

Growing popularity of digital platforms

No doubt, digital platforms are contributing greatly to a whole lot of industries, one of which include the health and wellness market. Since the start of COVID and times of lockdowns, people have been trapped with nowhere other than the inside of their homes. This has created a need for people to still stay active and healthy, despite the challenges. Of course, this need led to the increase of popularity in the wellness industry. Suddenly people are looking left and right for resources online, from healthy food to work out routines and guided meditations. The clumps of information available were enticed even more thanks to digital platforms.

The public is accessing social media, websites, and more in trying to stay healthy. Digital platforms are making it easy for health businesses and professionals to spread the right information and create simple access for the consumers. Businesses in the health and wellness industry are taking advantage of the push digital platforms are providing by keeping their businesses running while still keeping socially distanced and safe.

Dependency on mobile apps

Speaking of digital platforms, mobile apps have also become one of the essential tools in helping the wellness economy. Businesses are now looking to mobile apps to provide the best of their services. Sure, digital platforms are great tools to access health information, but when you involve a mobile app, businesses can take health to the next level. Many health specialists and businesses are looking at mobile apps to keep the information and services flowing. Medical providers are using them as tools to give virtual check-ups and prescriptions, gyms are using them for online workouts and sessions, and therapists are also using them to communicate directly with patients.

Since a mobile app tends to come with flexible and personalized features depending on the business, one can simply design them in a way they see fit their business. It has been a great tool to not only provide people with health information but also to run any services providers and businesses were not able to do due to COVID, including e-payment needs.

Automated health

Another trend that surely everybody has noticed is the use of software and going automated. I am bringing this point up because as we are seeing education turning to e-education, so is the wellness sector. COVID or pre-COVID, this particular trend has been growing for a while now, for all industries. We are witnessing an era of e-everything where businesses are run through the convenience of technology.

The health sector has depended on automation for a while now. Medical providers, clinics, and medical specialists have been using software to keep track of their patients, payments, and overall services. In a time of COVID, this has become even handier. With many people limited to in-person services, medical/health professionals and specialists can still maintain and organize their businesses with the electronic data they have at hand. Most of these software can even integrate with video call services, and other platforms, to interact with clients and patients.

Going automated seems to be a good investment for the wellness sector as it helps to keep business afloat while saving cost.

Though the popularity of the wellness industry has always been there, it definitely achieved its peak thanks to the rise of the digital economy. With more uncertainties ahead, these digital trends are some to look out for in a future of self-help and health awareness.

For more examples of how the health industry can utilize digital transformation, check out some of ESKADENIA’s products for the healthcare industry.