Considering Wellness: Old Yet New

Maintaining a healthy mind and body is always vital for everyone, regardless of the era. The "healthcare market," designed to meet this need, is experiencing renewed growth. Based on the results of Dentsu Inc.'s original large-scale survey, the "Wellness 10,000 Survey," we introduce the latest wellness trends.

Dentsu Inc. has a dedicated "Wellness Project" and a specialized team called "Team Wellness." This project actually has a history spanning over 10 years.

"Wellness" is a concept proposed in 1961 by Dr. Halbert Dunn, a U.S. public health physician. It signifies "a state of radiant health in both mind and body." It represents a broader perspective on health than the WHO's definition of "health," essentially referring to activities that enhance "QOL" (Quality of Life).

The term gained widespread recognition after the establishment of the National Wellness Foundation in 1977. In Japan, the Japan Wellness Association Foundation was established in 1985, marking the start of its full-scale activities.

In other words, this term became popular relatively recently. Particularly in the beverage and food industries, several companies and departments bearing the name "wellness" can be found.

However, wellness is gaining renewed attention recently. There are three reasons for this.

① Socially, self-care is increasingly valued due to the limitations of healthcare coverage amid an aging population.
② From a consumer perspective, health trends have become established and deeply rooted in daily life.
③ From a corporate perspective, the diversity of players is increasing to meet societal needs.

In response to this situation, Dentsu Inc. Wellness Project formed a cross-departmental 'Team Wellness' last year and has been strengthening its systems and tools. We define "Medical ≈ cure" and "Wellness ≈ care" (note: we also have a Medical Project!), primarily supporting various internal and external initiatives in the "health" and "beauty" domains. Looking ahead, we anticipate expanding into broader fields like information and communications, home appliances, housing, and distribution, while also addressing challenges in health-related initiatives.

While the premise is as outlined above, the most crucial point is that wellness is a universal theme common to all humanity. Furthermore, this field in Japan is undergoing change and is becoming revitalized once again (and of course, there is global demand too).

In an era where health and beauty value is being added to things and concepts previously considered unrelated to health, and where each individual is expected to manage their own well-being to live healthily, wellness is no longer someone else's concern. Why not join us in thinking about wellness?