The 20th century saw significant strides in increasing life expectancy globally. Now, with the focus shifting towards enhancing the quality of life, Impax Asset Management talks about investing in self-care solutions. The asset manager points out three areas of opportunity in this arena. They are personal care solutions, self-care products, and fitness services. 

“First, personal care solutions for teeth, ears and eyes can help prevent disease and physical deterioration, particularly in developing economies,” writes Mackenzie Clark, Research Analyst, Listed Equities at Impax AM. 

“Second, self-care – using over-the-counter (OTC) medications, supplements, and monitoring devices – can serve as both a substitute for and a complement to traditional healthcare. Third, movement and fitness can boost both personal well-being and productivity at work,” she adds. 

Clark informs that companies facilitating individuals to invest in their self-care solutions can capitalise on these trends, offering growth opportunities that may be underestimated by the market. 

The narrative delves into specific examples within each domain. First, the asset manager talks about oral care. Impax AM points out that over $45 bn in global productivity is lost each year due to untreated dental diseases. 

Also, it states that improvements in dental hygiene can enable lower incidences of heart disease and diabetes. As for investment options, Clark highlights Colgate-Palmolive as a leading provider of oral care products globally. 

Then, Impax AM moves on to eye and ear care. “…a recent study estimates that the total global economic cost of hearing loss exceeded $981 bn in 2019. Vision impairment meanwhile reduces annual global productivity by an estimated $411 bn,” says Alyna Shamsi, Research Analyst at Impax AM.

Shamsi discusses Amplifon, an Italian company tackling hearing loss with both retail and virtual solutions. Additionally, she talks about companies such as Alcon that play a role in enhancing vision care, especially in developing nations where formal eye care access is constrained.

The asset manager also explores the scope of other personal-care products and fitness services, outlining their market dynamics and suggesting potential investment opportunities.

“From hearing aids to toothbrushes, vitamin supplements to low-cost workouts, we believe companies that innovate for and improve access to wellbeing have a clear trajectory for growth as society transitions to a healthier and more sustainable model,” says Shamsi. 

Read the full insight here.