Whitepaper

The Wellderly Revolution

Introduction

An unprecedented demographic shift

A cultural and technological generational shift

Opportunities & Challenges

Key technology innovation spaces

Strategic recommendations

Into action

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Whitepaper

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12 Feb 2025

❶ Introduction

Today’s ageing population is not like previous generations. This is the era of what we at JOURNEY call the “Wellderly”—tech-savvy, healthier, and more discerning individuals redefining what it means to age.

High expectations, living longer, and healthier

The Wellderly grew up listening to mixtapes on cassette, embraced the rise of personal computers, and witnessed the transition from Walkmans to iPods to smartphones. They are accustomed to seamless digital experiences, expect personalised services, and demand higher standards of care. This generation won’t settle for outdated or uninspired solutions and has high customer experience (CX) expectations.

Time for change

For aged care providers, this presents opportunities—and challenges. Meeting the expectations of the Wellderly requires rethinking traditional care models and embracing innovation. From wearable technologies that empower independence to AI-driven tools that enhance patient engagement, the future of aged care lies at the intersection of technology and empathy.
This whitepaper explores the rise of Wellderly, the forces and technologies shaping their care, the challenges and opportunities arising from these forces, and how aged care providers can adapt to meet their expectations. By preparing for Wellderly now, providers can secure their place as leaders in a rapidly evolving industry.

❷ An unprecedented demographic shift

The world is witnessing a demographic shift unlike any before. By 2030, the number of elderly people will outnumber the number of young people (aged 5-24). In Europe, 30% of the population will be over 65 by 2050; in Australia and New Zealand it will be nearly one in four people.

At the same time, concurrent trends are increasing the challenges: There is already a critical shortage of healthcare and care workers to service the ageing population and a retention issue. The US is forecast to be short 100,000 healthcare workers by 2028, while in places like the UK and Australia, 25% of aged care professionals leave before a year is out.

❸ A cultural and technological generational shift

The ageing population of the 2030s will bear little resemblance to the elderly of past decades. Today’s seniors are healthier, more connected, and more demanding of quality and innovation in the services they receive. The Wellderly, a term coined by JOURNEY to reflect this new wave of over-65s, represent a unique challenge and opportunity for aged care providers.

A digital fluent generation

Unlike their predecessors, who often entered aged care with little exposure to technology, the Wellderly have lived through an era of exponential technological growth. They navigated the rise of the internet and now seamlessly manage their lives with smartphones and wearable devices.
These individuals expect smart solutions in their care environments that align with their digital fluency and desire for personalised experiences. The rise of predictive analytics supports proactive and reactive healthcare.

Meeting rising expectations

For aged care providers, understanding the Wellderly means recognising their heightened expectations. They won’t tolerate slow or poorly designed digital solutions. Instead, they will demand environments that enhance their independence, enable meaningful connections, and support their well-being.
This generational shift is more than demographic—it’s cultural and technological.

❹ Challenges and Opportunities

Opportunities

Enhanced patient engagement

The Wellderly expect more personalised and engaging experiences. With tools like wearable devices, AI-driven care, and intuitive apps, providers can create tailored health and wellness plans that empower seniors to take an active role in their care.

Operational efficiency

AI and automation enable providers to optimise resources, reduce administrative workloads, and focus on delivering higher-quality care. AI-driven analytics can identify trends in health data, allowing caregivers to intervene before minor issues escalate into major concerns.

Challenges

Balancing personalisation and privacy

As wearables and AI collect vast amounts of personal health data, providers must navigate the ethical and regulatory challenges of data privacy. Striking a balance between offering personalised care and protecting sensitive information is essential to maintaining trust.

Workforce training and integration

Adopting new technologies requires a skilled workforce. Providers must invest in training staff to use digital tools effectively and integrate them into care workflows without overburdening employees

❺ Key technology innovation spaces

Ⓐ Digital equity from UX and digital innovation

While the Wellderly are poised to embrace technology, accessibility challenges remain for some demographics. However, the Wellderly generation is inherently more familiar with digital tools, having grown up with smartphones, fitness trackers, and wearable tech like the Apple Watch.

Providers like Ryman Healthcare have already demonstrated how to bridge the digital divide. When developing the MyRyman app, the design team had to accommodate older residents unfamiliar with technology. By prioritising intuitive design and offline accessibility, Ryman created a tool that improved engagement across many users.

As we prepare for the Wellderly, this focus on inclusivity must remain at the forefront. Seamless, easy-to-use solutions will ensure that no one is left behind in the digital transformation of aged care.

Ryman Casestudy here ↗

Ⓑ AI-Powered Personalisation

Artificial intelligence is transforming aged care by delivering tailored, proactive support. AI tools ensure care aligns with individual needs and preferences, from predicting health risks to enhancing day-to-day interactions. For example:

Predictive Analytics: AI systems analyse health trends to anticipate potential issues, enabling early intervention. Tools like Owkin’s MSIntuit® CRC efficiently identify people at-risk in the pharmaceutical sector. Aged care providers can apply similar approaches to flag fall risks or health deterioration before they escalate.

Conversational AI: Virtual assistants or chatbots can keep seniors engaged, provide medication reminders, and answer common questions, reducing caregiver workloads while improving patient experience.

For the Wellderly, who expect personalised experiences in every aspect of their lives, AI-driven care represents a critical way to meet and exceed their expectations.

The global market for wearable technology is expected to grow from USD 115.8 billion in 2021 to over USD 380.5 billion by 2028, a historic adoption of highly personalised tech.
Wearable devices such as smartwatches, health trackers, and ECG monitors bridge the gap between preventative and responsive care. These technologies allow seniors to monitor their health while providing caregivers with critical, real-time data to ensure timely and effective support.

Across the globe, projects big and small are revolutionising aged care, especially in health:

SHINESeniors Project: This long-running initiative uses wearable sensors to monitor activity levels and detect falls, enabling caregivers to respond swiftly to emergencies (Singapore).
Smart Homes in Finland: Researchers delivered a holistic care model by integrating wearable health monitors with smart home systems. Data on stress levels, movement, and health metrics was combined with environmental insights, providing tailored support for seniors in their homes.
MedAire Inflight App: Healthcare can be delivered even in the most challenging situations, even at 40,000 feet with limited or no connectivity or wi-fi.

Alongside concurrent technology like predictive analytics and AI, wearables are a key unlocking greater freedom, better health, and peace of mind for the Wellderly.

❻ Strategic recommendations

Key strategic pillars:

1. Holistic technology ecosystem

Digital transformation, with wearable technology at its core.

Develop an integrated technology framework that doesn't just monitor health but anticipates needs.
Create interconnected solutions that speak to the Wellderly's desire for independence and personalisation.
Prioritise user experience (UX) that feels natural, not invasive.

2. Workforce transformation

Simultaneously upskill workforce and redesign care delivery models.

Implement comprehensive digital literacy programs that view technology as an enabler, not a replacement.
Create career pathways that reward technological competence and innovative care approaches.
Develop mentorship models where tech-savvy younger workers and experienced care professionals collaborate.

3. Ethical data stewardship

Trust is the foundation of care.

Establish transparent data governance frameworks that prioritise individual privacy.
Develop clear, understandable communication about how personal data enhances care.
Create opt-in models that give the Wellderly control over their information.

❼ Into action

The Wellderly are not just a future demographic—they are today’s 50- and 60-somethings, shaping the expectations of tomorrow’s aged care. Their tech-savvy nature, health-conscious mindset, and demand for personalised, high-quality experiences present a once-in-a-generation opportunity for aged care providers to innovate and lead.

To succeed in this new era, providers must:

Embrace technology, such as wearables and AI, as a core enabler of independence and safety.
Bridge the digital divide with intuitive and accessible solutions that cater to diverse user needs.
Balance operational efficiency with empathy, ensuring care remains deeply human-centred.

At JOURNEY, we partner with aged care providers ready to lead the way. With decades of experience, our Solve & Evolve™ methodology and a proven track record of delivering innovation and digital transformation; we’re prepared to help you navigate this shift and create meaningful, lasting impact.
Now is the time for action. By understanding the unique needs of the Wellderly and investing in innovative, scalable solutions, aged care providers like you can position themselves as leaders in a rapidly evolving industry. Those who prepare today will be the ones shaping the future of care.