As a Health Journalist, I’m often conflicted about wellness inc: the £5 trillion industry built on selling us our wellbeing. Lots of brands start with good intentions, aiming to help us live longer, healthier, happier lives. Yet at the same time, plenty of products and services are overcomplicated and overpriced, designed to "hack" our health in ways we could approach far more simply and affordably at home.
Longevity is a case in point. With an ageing population, living well for longer has become an undeniable priority for many of us. Interest has surged, with searches for the term increasing by more than 5000% over the past five years. Yet the sheer volume of information now online, from the 1.7 million posts under #biohacking on Instagram to the rise of luxury longevity clinics (where a four-night programme at SHA Wellness Clinic in Spain can cost upwards of £4000), has left many of us feeling overwhelmed and, ultimately, disengaged. A recent report by high street retailer Holland & Barrett found that exhaustion is the leading barrier preventing people from adopting healthier habits.
