An aging America presents a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs. While millennials get a lot of attention, the baby boomer market is hot — especially when it comes to health franchises.
Consider this. More than 10,000 Americans turn 65 years old every day. By 2030, this will mean one out of five people in the United States will be older than 65. Just five years after that, the number of senior citizens is projected to outnumber children under 18!
It is obvious the market for senior-related services is only going to grow. Entrepreneurs have a huge opportunity to cater to senior citizens’ needs. Here are some of the health franchises that will serve this growing market the best.
Non-Medical In-Home Care
Because people are living longer, and desire to age at home rather than live in a nursing home, the demand for home care is increasing. Non-medical in-home care health franchises provide flexible services to meet the needs of aging seniors. These services can include companionship, help with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, toileting, wellness, and safety, including meal preparation and personal safety monitoring, and help around the house such as running errands, transportation to activities and appointments, and light housekeeping.
Senior Care Consultants
These professionals, also known as geriatric care managers, advocate for families who are caring for older relatives. They help people navigate issues such as finding the right in-home care provider, nursing home, or assisted living community. Senior care consultant health franchises also help seniors and their families work through insurance and medical care coverage.
Medical Claims Specialists
Health care, insurance coverage, and associated services are so complex today that there is a need for health franchises dedicated to helping seniors and their families manage medical bills. Medical claims specialists review bills and medical records to make sure seniors aren’t paying too much and getting all the benefits they are entitled to.
Senior Nutrition and Fitness
Baby boomers consume more calories, fat, sodium, and cholesterol than did the previous generation at the same age. Studies also find seniors eat fewer vegetables and consume less water and vitamin C than did the previous generation of middle-aged adults. Because of this, it is clear there is a need for nutrition services targeted at aging Americans. Health franchises such as physical therapists and fitness centers that cater to older adults are key. Yoga, Pilates, and swimming are considered some of the more popular exercise programs for seniors.
Urgent Care
Between 80 and 86 percent of seniors suffer from a chronic condition or disease, so affordable and accessible healthcare is key for older Americans. Due to difficulties with getting into their primary care physicians, seniors have begun to seek the services of urgent care clinics. An urgent care center is a perfect scenario for seniors who are dealing with chronic conditions and need care — sometimes at a moment’s notice. The overall availability of urgent care centers is also appealing for seniors.
So you can see, there are plenty of opportunities to serve our aging America. If an urgent care is something you might be interested in pursuing, click here to learn more about the urgent care opportunities with American Family Care.
