Wellness is a state of feeling well in body, mind and spirit, together with a sense of reserve power. It is based on normal functioning of the tissues and organs of the body, a practical understanding of the principles of healthful living, and as it means "a richer life as it's measured in constructive service to mankind," according to author W.W. Dauer.   It includes our emotional, mental, spiritual, physical, environmental and social wellness; all of which makes us a "well being." If all aspects of wellness are being met, then we are considered whole.  For more information visit the Physical/Spiritual Link to illness.
 
Twenty years ago, the wellness industry did not exist, but today, it is growing fast. It is estimated that by 2010, the wellness industry will be a trillion dollar industry and in the next 10 years, an additional $1 trillion dollars of the US economy will be focused on getting Americans healthy through programming and treating the whole person. During the past decade, US prescription drug sales have quadrupled to $192.2 billion a year in 2002 from $48 billion in 1992. Worldwide drug sales increased by eight percent last year to $430.3 billion according to IMS Health, a health information and consulting firm. As prescription drug sales rise, so does the spending on wellness. Americans are already spending over $200 billion dollars annually in the wellness industry. This includes the nutrition industry at $150 billion dollars per year, the US Dietary Supplement Industry at $19.8 billion and $24 billion for the fitness industry.
 
The need for personal, customized care will grow because the baby boomers are willing to spend the money to safeguard their youth. American Sports Data Inc. found that "25% of the 41.3 million health club members in the US are 55 years old and older. This is a number that is up 33% since 1998 and is compared with a growth rate of 13% for Baby Boomers aged 35 to 54, and zero growth for the "traditional" fitness participant aged 18 to 34.