The recent landmark UN report on biodiversity comes to the sobering conclusion that the decline of the world’s biodiversity is such that “it is eroding the foundations of our economies, livelihoods, food security, health and quality of life worldwide.” Demographics are a major culprit: We were 1.5 billion people a century ago, 6.1 billion in 2000, and 7.2 billion today, but what the report also…
There is a mountain of research on how time in nature impacts people’s physical and mental health, from lowering stress and blood pressure to increasing life expectancy. Which is why more doctors are now actually prescribing nature. But what’s the right dose? A new UK study (20,000 people) provides an answer: two hours a week. People who spent 120 minutes outdoors each week reported being in…
We predict that concerns about the cost to the environment of air travel will come to the boil in 2020. The backlash is growing, and the wellness industry must prepare for it. The “do no harm” (to your community, to the environment) principle will become an obligation, and travel companies will be held accountable. But the air industry is far from the only culprit. A…
The GWI’s Hot Springs Initiative just released their top five trends for thermal/mineral springs bathing—from more hot springs being designed for people of all ages (from infants to seniors) to more activities such as yoga, massage or forest bathing getting woven into the soaking experience to the big increase in more extreme “fire and ice” experiences—moving from hot waters to ice caves and rolls in…
MONTHLY BAROMETER – WELLNESS EDITION Aging is the most potent and enduring global trend and lies behind much of what is going on in economics and our societies. With the notable exception of Sub-Saharan Africa, longer lifespans and declining birth rates are now the norms almost everywhere. The implications are broad and all-encompassing, ranging from the future balance of power between the US and China…
Two new European studies agree that ultra-processed foods are very bad for your health—and not just junk food, but breads, jarred sauces and frozen meals that are staples for many. A French study (tracking 100,000 adults) found that people who ate the most packaged foods were 23 percent more likely to suffer cardiovascular trouble. A Spanish study (20,000 adults) found that those with the highest…
