#InclusiveLife

Sustainability challenge and related SDGs

The Sustainable Development Goals from the UN emphasize the need for much greater social inclusion of marginalized groups, as well as efforts to achieve it.

People with disabilities are often limited in their participation in society when they cannot operate, recognize, or use services, objects, and items because of their design. People with disabilities are particularly vulnerable in humanitarian emergencies (e.g., armed conflicts or natural disasters). They have lower participation in the economy, are overrepresented in the world's poorer populations and often have lower levels of education and poorer overall health. This is especially true for children with disabilities.

At the same time, people are living longer and developing age-related impairments accordingly. These prevent them from participating in or contributing to family life and society in a variety of ways.

Possible solutions and their contribution to achieving the SDGs

People with disabilities, chronic or age-related illnesses, rely on specialized services, require prostheses or other assistive devices. These assistive devices, such as wheelchairs, walkers, artificial limbs, or pill organizers, are designed to maintain or improve the independence and social participation of these individuals.

Assistive devices can significantly reduce the inequalities that individuals experience. They enable them to lead healthy, productive, independent, and dignified lives and to participate in education, the labour market, and social life. They also reduce the need for formal health and long-term care services, as well as informal care provided by family members.

The range of assistive devices needed spans the lifespan, all areas of human activity and the continuum of health care. It will not be possible to achieve the SDGs and leave no one behind if the people who need critical assistive products do not have access to them. The companies for #InclusiveLife promote this access.

Primarily related SDG Targets:  3.4, 3.8, 10.2, 11.2, 11.7

Investment Rationale and Growth Potential

The world's population is getting older and older. For this reason, it can be assumed that age-related diseases will increase. Despite their limitations, however, most people still want to participate fully in society. Accordingly, there is a willingness to spend more money on aids to eliminate existing limitations.

At the same time, people with disabilities are becoming more integrated in daily life and are gaining visibility accordingly. This leads to more awareness and less stigmatization, which in turn benefits people with such limitations.

It is unlikely that this trend will reverse, which increases the chances of success for investments in companies that contribute to #InclusiveLife.