Topic: ETFs

Global aging to fuel health-care gains


etf global health care LISTEN:  

A combination of declining fertility rates and increasing life expectancy continues to fuel the rapid aging of the population.

According to a recent UN World report, the global population of people over 65 years old is expected to jump from 617 million in 2017 to 1.6 billion in 2050. As a percentage of the overall population, older people will double from 8% in 2017 to 16% by 2050.

Medical science aims to help seniors better manage the aging process. As a result, the number of people over 80 is expected to triple, increasing from 137 million in 2017 to 425 million by 2050.

Asia will have the largest senior population

In absolute terms, Asia will see the largest increase in older people by 2050. North America will have a 44 million, or 75%, increase. Europe should see growth of 70 million, or a 54% increase.

More and more baby boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) are entering retirement. Even though the average annual income of a Gen-Xer (those born between 1965 and 1979) has already surpassed by that of boomers, they remain the wealthiest generation. In the U.S., the average net worth of households led by Americans between 65 and 74 is over $800,000.

Demand for medical services will rise

Studies in the U.S. suggest 81% of seniors consider good health the most important aspect of a happy retirement. However, the World Health Organization notes, “There is little evidence to suggest that older people today are experiencing their later years in better health than their parents.”

A study by the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics confirms that the average person’s health-care spending increases rapidly after age 45. For the group between 65 and 74, the average annual spend per person of $5,188 is almost 2.5 times higher than the health-care spend of those 25 to 43. In other categories, including food, housing, transportation and entertainment, people spend less as they age.

More generally, the U.S. spent $3.4 trillion on health care in 2016. That could grow to $5.5 trillion by 2025. Some studies project the average growth in health spending will be 6% per year. Rising costs for medical services and products are key drivers of that increase. The rapid aging of the population is another major factor.

Pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers and health-care service providers will benefit from this pervasive secular trend.

Here’s a brief look at one health-services provider held by the iShares Global Health Care ETF (see page 11).

JOHNSON & JOHNSON (symbol JNJ on New York) operates through three businesses: Pharmaceutical (45% of revenue) makes anti-infective, contraceptive, dermatological and gastrointestinal drugs; Medical devices (35%) sells equipment for joint reconstruction and managing circulatory diseases; Consumer (20%) makes consumer products such as Johnson’s baby-care items, Band-Aid bandages, Tylenol and Motrin painkillers, and Listerine mouthwash.

The company continues to develop new treatments, and spends a high 13% of its revenue on research. The longterm outlook for Johnson & Johnson is positive.

The stock is a buy.

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