COVID-19 collided with populations already battling chronic health issues stemming from poor diets and sedentary lifestyles. For many, living through this pandemic has been a motivating wakeup call to pursue healthier habits before illness attacks. At the same time, shutdowns and social isolation have taken a physical and mental toll on well-being.
 
In our May 2021 issue we explore the healthy aging market in the context of the challenges created or hastened by COVID-19. More and more, personalized approaches are gaining momentum, because after all, health is personal. While the pandemic feels like a common, shared experience at this point, everyone has been affected in different ways based on their own set of personal circumstances, including location, age, life stage, health status, genetics, and a long line of other factors.
 
While immune function was the most immediate and obvious concern at the beginning of this health crisis, the prolonged course of the pandemic has led to a host of ailments consumers are confronting, including stress, anxiety, and sleep disruption; weight/metabolic issues; inflammation/joint problems, burnout/mental exhaustion, and more. Clearly the need for effective product solutions is extraordinarily high. If there was ever an optimal time to overdeliver for customers, now would seem to be it.
 
As the nutraceuticals industry often preaches, dietary supplements and nutrition products are meant to be part of—but are not a substitute for—a regimen that must also include proper diet, exercise, and other healthy habits. The market seems ripe for wellness-focused platforms or partnerships that support consumers in understanding how those essential pillars come together to build a strong foundation of health.
 
Meanwhile, the acceleration of business trends like e-commerce have continued evolving in real time to meet the growing list of consumer needs today. Companies and industries must continue to recalibrate to meet varied and evolving market demands. Flexibility during uncertainty seems to be part of that new normal everyone talks about.
 
At the end of the day, health is the ultimate foundation. Here’s to rebuilding a sturdy base …