Aussie innovators strike gold in Asia’s ageing ‘silver economy’

• Asia’s ageing population is fuelling a massive “silver economy” boom across health, tech and housing
• Aussie players such as EZZ Life Science and Australis Scientific are leading the charge with wellness and medtech innovation
• Ryman Healthcare is expanding in Australia to meet surging demand for senior living

Special Report: By 2035, China’s population aged 60 and above will swell to around 400 million. Globally, the number of people aged 65 and above is projected to hit 1.6 billion by 2050.

In China alone, older consumers already account for more than 30 per cent of total household spending – a share that is rising rapidly as the “silver economy” gains momentum.

Across Asia, longevity is creating a new consumer class: active, tech-savvy, and ready to spend on health, comfort, and convenience. For investors, this is the next megatrend: a demographic shift reshaping everything from healthcare and wellness to housing and technology.

EZZ Life Science: Riding China’s health and wellness wave

ASX-listed EZZ Life Science (ASX:EZZ) has already seen what happens when demographics meet cultural momentum. The Sydney-based supplement maker, best known for its bone growth, joint health and immune-support products, now generates more than 66 per cent of its revenue from China.

Chinese consumers – particularly middle-aged and older adults – are driving a sharp rise in spending on health supplements, a trend supercharged by post-Covid health awareness and growing disposable income among retirees.

EZZ’s products such as Joint Energy Boost Tablets and Magnesium Plus are targeted at mobility, energy metabolism and bone health – key needs in an ageing population. With formulations that include glucosamine, chondroitin and magnesium, the company’s range taps directly into demand for scientifically backed products that promise not just longevity, but vitality.

After posting a 40 per cent lift in revenue and a threefold rise in profit in the first half of FY25, EZZ is now expanding into Southeast Asia through new distribution agreements across Thailand, Vietnam and Singapore.

Australis Scientific: Tackling a hidden health crisis

While EZZ plays in preventive wellness, Sydney-based Australis Scientific is tackling one of ageing’s most under-discussed issues – bladder health.

The medtech startup is developing Confidanz, a smart patch that delivers gentle tibial nerve stimulation to calm the bladder and reduce symptoms of overactive bladder and urinary incontinence. These conditions affect more than 400 million people globally, including 12.5 million in Japan.

Unlike traditional treatments that rely on surgery or medication, the company’s smart patch tech offers a non-invasive, at-home alternative monitored remotely by clinicians via an app. The technology could dramatically improve access for patients in regional or remote areas.

Australis is also eyeing deals across Japan and China – two of the world’s oldest and fastest-ageing markets. It aims to launch Confidanz in Asia shortly, targeting partnerships with major healthcare providers and insurers.

Ryman Healthcare: Property meets longevity

The third player capitalising on this demographic supercycle is Ryman Healthcare (ASX:RYM), New Zealand’s largest retirement living provider, which recently made its ASX debut.

With a market capitalisation of about A$2.2 billion, Ryman is positioning itself as a trans-Tasman powerhouse in retirement living and aged care.

Chief executive Naomi James said Australia is now a “key long-term growth market”, with the number of Australians aged over 80 expected to triple to 3.5 million by the early 2060s.

Ryman’s “continuum of care” model – allowing residents to move seamlessly from independent living to assisted care – has proven successful in New Zealand and is now being scaled in Australia.

Following a NZ$1 billion capital raise earlier this year, Ryman has rebuilt its balance sheet and is well-placed to benefit from Australia’s aged-care reforms, which aim to expand home-care access and modernise funding models.

“We believe our model sets us apart,” said James. “It provides certainty and choice as needs change and positions us to capture growing demand in a recovering property market.”

This article was developed in collaboration with Australis Scientific, which is a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.

EZZ Life Science is also a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing, but did not collaborate on this article.

This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.