It's no secret that Australia's population is ageing fast. According to data provided by the Treasury, the number of Australians aged 65 and over is expected to increase to 6.2 million by 2042, up from an estimated 3.4 million in 2014.
I believe that as Australia's elderly population increases in size, a number of companies will be in a strong position to profit.
Two which I think are worth a closer look are listed below:
Japara Healthcare Ltd (ASX: JHC)
With its shares currently trading at a 52-week low after the release of its disappointing FY 2018 guidance, I think now could be an opportune time to snap up this aged care operator's shares. Demand for aged care services is expected to grow significantly over the next decade and beyond which could make Japara a good long-term buy and hold investment option. Especially considering the company plans to expand its capacity dramatically in order to meet this demand. However, due to regulatory risks, I would class Japara as a reasonably high risk investment.
Swift Networks Group Ltd (ASX: SW1)
As well as providing telecommunications and digital entertainment services to the resources sector, student accommodation facilities, and the hospitality sector, Swift Network has a growing presence in the aged care market through clients including Regis Healthcare Ltd (ASX: REG) and National Lifestyle Villages. I expect the aged care market to be a big driver of future growth, especially given the advantages of using the service. As well as providing residents with personalised TV viewing or internet access, village management can distribute bulletins, alerts, menus and other information to residents through it.
