Demographic tidal wave
The over-65 demographic is accelerating. In Australia today, four and a half million people are over 65, which is set to nearly double in the coming decades. In New Zealand, we’re anticipating a rise to one and a half million older adults by 2045, with a significant increase in those living with dementia.
These aren’t just statistics but the blueprint for the challenges and opportunities ahead. The Wellderly generation will be healthier, more tech-savvy, and far less willing to accept the traditional, often lacklustre care models that have defined aged care in the past.
The Wellderly and technology
When we designed the MyRyman app for Ryman Healthcare, we had to navigate significant hurdles: a good percentage of the residents had never used contemporary technology like apps.
This required an entirely new “UX Pattern”: intuitive interfaces, simple user experiences, and robust support to ensure engagement and adoption.
The upcoming Wellderly generation, however, presents an entirely different scenario. They are well-versed in mobile phones, wearables, and digital ecosystems.
This familiarity with technology will fundamentally reshape how aged care providers approach service delivery, making advanced tech integration not just a nice-to-have but an expectation.
Who are the Wellderly?
Perception of a person over 65 is a couple slow dancing to Vera Lynn and remembering rationing. You’re thinking of a bygone era – people who experienced post-war times and could be described as the “grateful generation”. Now, picture someone turning 65 in 2030. They’re somebody with experiences that probably aren’t too out of step with contemporary culture. Their standards and expectations are wired accordingly: much higher.
They were born in 1965. In their twenties, they had walkmans, cassette tapes, and LPs. Musical culture exploded with punk, pop, new wave, and the rise of hip hop and dance music. This generation saw the rise of analogue technology like VCRs transforming into smartphones, streaming, and AI.
They’re not going to accept a drab resident’s home. Instead of show tunes warbling in the background, they will want to hear Bruce Springsteen or dance music.
The Wellderly are redefining what it means to age, bringing a fresh set of demands: vibrant, active lifestyles, engaging technology integration, and high-quality service that respects their autonomy and individuality.
And here’s where it gets personal: many of us will be part of this demographic soon, expecting the same elevated experiences.
Higher Standards and Tech Expectations
The Wellderly won’t be satisfied with outdated care homes or basic health services. They expect smart home integrations, wearable health monitors, and seamless telehealth options. Facilities must adapt by offering personalised, tech-enhanced experiences.
The days of one-size-fits-all aged care are over; personalised, data-driven care is becoming the standard.
Opportunities and Challenges for Aged Care Providers
This demographic shift is both a challenge and an opportunity for aged care providers. Providers must innovate to meet Wellderly's expectations, integrating technology and redefining care models. However, this shift comes with significant challenges.
As the world's population grows older, the number of people available to work in care for the elderly is plummeting. Already, we are looking at a shortfall of around 400k in Australia.
That means technological innovation needs to occur for the workforce almost as much as for the population they care for. Operational efficiency through workflow or logistics gains continues to impact and will be a major pillar of how care is delivered in the future. In fact, operational efficiency increases empathy: freeing care workers to do higher emotional support or medical work.
A call for leadership from Aged Care brands
As the Wellderly redefine ageing, aged care brands must stay ahead of the curve. This is a chance for aged care brands to lead, not just in their sector, but in society in general.
For many, embracing Wellderly isn’t just about preparing for others—it’s about setting the stage for our own aging journeys. By investing in digital transformation, wellness programmes, and personalised care, aged care providers can capture the loyalty of this discerning generation.
At Journey, we understand the nuances of this shift and are ready to partner with brands to co-create innovative solutions that meet the needs of the future.
(1) Once in a generation aged care reforms
(2) Population aged over 85 double next 25-years
(3) Elderly population worldwide to surpass youth by 2030
Demographic tidal wave
The over-65 demographic is accelerating. In Australia today, four and a half million people are over 65, which is set to nearly double in the coming decades. In New Zealand, we’re anticipating a rise to one and a half million older adults by 2045, with a significant increase in those living with dementia.
These aren’t just statistics but the blueprint for the challenges and opportunities ahead. The Wellderly generation will be healthier, more tech-savvy, and far less willing to accept the traditional, often lacklustre care models that have defined aged care in the past.
The Wellderly and technology
When we designed the MyRyman app for Ryman Healthcare, we had to navigate significant hurdles: a good percentage of the residents had never used contemporary technology like apps.
This required an entirely new “UX Pattern”: intuitive interfaces, simple user experiences, and robust support to ensure engagement and adoption.
The upcoming Wellderly generation, however, presents an entirely different scenario. They are well-versed in mobile phones, wearables, and digital ecosystems.
This familiarity with technology will fundamentally reshape how aged care providers approach service delivery, making advanced tech integration not just a nice-to-have but an expectation.
Who are the Wellderly?
Perception of a person over 65 is a couple slow dancing to Vera Lynn and remembering rationing. You’re thinking of a bygone era – people who experienced post-war times and could be described as the “grateful generation”. Now, picture someone turning 65 in 2030. They’re somebody with experiences that probably aren’t too out of step with contemporary culture. Their standards and expectations are wired accordingly: much higher.
They were born in 1965. In their twenties, they had walkmans, cassette tapes, and LPs. Musical culture exploded with punk, pop, new wave, and the rise of hip hop and dance music. This generation saw the rise of analogue technology like VCRs transforming into smartphones, streaming, and AI.
They’re not going to accept a drab resident’s home. Instead of show tunes warbling in the background, they will want to hear Bruce Springsteen or dance music.
The Wellderly are redefining what it means to age, bringing a fresh set of demands: vibrant, active lifestyles, engaging technology integration, and high-quality service that respects their autonomy and individuality.
And here’s where it gets personal: many of us will be part of this demographic soon, expecting the same elevated experiences.
Higher Standards and Tech Expectations
The Wellderly won’t be satisfied with outdated care homes or basic health services. They expect smart home integrations, wearable health monitors, and seamless telehealth options. Facilities must adapt by offering personalised, tech-enhanced experiences.
The days of one-size-fits-all aged care are over; personalised, data-driven care is becoming the standard.
Opportunities and Challenges for Aged Care Providers
This demographic shift is both a challenge and an opportunity for aged care providers. Providers must innovate to meet Wellderly's expectations, integrating technology and redefining care models. However, this shift comes with significant challenges.
As the world's population grows older, the number of people available to work in care for the elderly is plummeting. Already, we are looking at a shortfall of around 400k in Australia.
That means technological innovation needs to occur for the workforce almost as much as for the population they care for. Operational efficiency through workflow or logistics gains continues to impact and will be a major pillar of how care is delivered in the future. In fact, operational efficiency increases empathy: freeing care workers to do higher emotional support or medical work.
A call for leadership from Aged Care brands
As the Wellderly redefine ageing, aged care brands must stay ahead of the curve. This is a chance for aged care brands to lead, not just in their sector, but in society in general.
For many, embracing Wellderly isn’t just about preparing for others—it’s about setting the stage for our own aging journeys. By investing in digital transformation, wellness programmes, and personalised care, aged care providers can capture the loyalty of this discerning generation.
At Journey, we understand the nuances of this shift and are ready to partner with brands to co-create innovative solutions that meet the needs of the future.
(1) Once in a generation aged care reforms
(2) Population aged over 85 double next 25-years
(3) Elderly population worldwide to surpass youth by 2030
Demographic tidal wave
The over-65 demographic is accelerating. In Australia today, four and a half million people are over 65, which is set to nearly double in the coming decades. In New Zealand, we’re anticipating a rise to one and a half million older adults by 2045, with a significant increase in those living with dementia.
These aren’t just statistics but the blueprint for the challenges and opportunities ahead. The Wellderly generation will be healthier, more tech-savvy, and far less willing to accept the traditional, often lacklustre care models that have defined aged care in the past.
The Wellderly and technology
When we designed the MyRyman app for Ryman Healthcare, we had to navigate significant hurdles: a good percentage of the residents had never used contemporary technology like apps.
This required an entirely new “UX Pattern”: intuitive interfaces, simple user experiences, and robust support to ensure engagement and adoption.
The upcoming Wellderly generation, however, presents an entirely different scenario. They are well-versed in mobile phones, wearables, and digital ecosystems.
This familiarity with technology will fundamentally reshape how aged care providers approach service delivery, making advanced tech integration not just a nice-to-have but an expectation.
Who are the Wellderly?
Perception of a person over 65 is a couple slow dancing to Vera Lynn and remembering rationing. You’re thinking of a bygone era – people who experienced post-war times and could be described as the “grateful generation”. Now, picture someone turning 65 in 2030. They’re somebody with experiences that probably aren’t too out of step with contemporary culture. Their standards and expectations are wired accordingly: much higher.
They were born in 1965. In their twenties, they had walkmans, cassette tapes, and LPs. Musical culture exploded with punk, pop, new wave, and the rise of hip hop and dance music. This generation saw the rise of analogue technology like VCRs transforming into smartphones, streaming, and AI.
They’re not going to accept a drab resident’s home. Instead of show tunes warbling in the background, they will want to hear Bruce Springsteen or dance music.
The Wellderly are redefining what it means to age, bringing a fresh set of demands: vibrant, active lifestyles, engaging technology integration, and high-quality service that respects their autonomy and individuality.
And here’s where it gets personal: many of us will be part of this demographic soon, expecting the same elevated experiences.
Higher Standards and Tech Expectations
The Wellderly won’t be satisfied with outdated care homes or basic health services. They expect smart home integrations, wearable health monitors, and seamless telehealth options. Facilities must adapt by offering personalised, tech-enhanced experiences.
The days of one-size-fits-all aged care are over; personalised, data-driven care is becoming the standard.
Opportunities and Challenges for Aged Care Providers
This demographic shift is both a challenge and an opportunity for aged care providers. Providers must innovate to meet Wellderly's expectations, integrating technology and redefining care models. However, this shift comes with significant challenges.
As the world's population grows older, the number of people available to work in care for the elderly is plummeting. Already, we are looking at a shortfall of around 400k in Australia.
That means technological innovation needs to occur for the workforce almost as much as for the population they care for. Operational efficiency through workflow or logistics gains continues to impact and will be a major pillar of how care is delivered in the future. In fact, operational efficiency increases empathy: freeing care workers to do higher emotional support or medical work.
A call for leadership from Aged Care brands
As the Wellderly redefine ageing, aged care brands must stay ahead of the curve. This is a chance for aged care brands to lead, not just in their sector, but in society in general.
For many, embracing Wellderly isn’t just about preparing for others—it’s about setting the stage for our own aging journeys. By investing in digital transformation, wellness programmes, and personalised care, aged care providers can capture the loyalty of this discerning generation.
At Journey, we understand the nuances of this shift and are ready to partner with brands to co-create innovative solutions that meet the needs of the future.
(1) Once in a generation aged care reforms
(2) Population aged over 85 double next 25-years
(3) Elderly population worldwide to surpass youth by 2030
