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The Global Wellness Institute recently released data showing the powerful role wellness tourism can play in helping countries recover from tourism crises and “image problems” (i.e., wars, terrorist and drug violence, natural disasters).

It looked at 10 nations with either more recent tourism shocks (like India, Mexico), or those building tourism markets after historic conflicts (such as Nicaragua, Cambodia). And just look at what a serious recovery-driver wellness tourism can be…these nations using it as a re-branding tool will drive so many more.

In recent years, a growing number of senior citizens have begun competing in marathons and triathlons, causing experts to question much of the conventional wisdom about age-related changes in physical capacity. One of the most interesting insights: a lot of the deterioration we see with aging can be attributed to a more sedentary lifestyle rather than aging itself. Check out this interesting article that turns the relationship between aging and wellbeing upside-down.

The Global Wellness Institute has just launched a new Global Wellness Mindfulness Initiative, bringing together a group of thought-leaders dedicated to understanding the role of mindfulness, meditation and nature in leadership. The new initiative is headed up by Louie Schwartzberg, who brings stunning nature cinematography to high-profile, global audiences—from the UN to 3D IMAX theaters.

Read about this initiative’s objectives and new members—and how new connections between technology and mindfulness could change the world’s mental health.

Each month economist and GWI partner Thierry Malleret identifies the global macroeconomic and geopolitical trends that matter most—and connects the dots for the wellness industries. Hear what he has to say about a must-watch “microeconomic” consumer trend: people rejecting “membership” pricing models in favor of “pay-as-you-go” everything. It’s transforming how TV and phone services are consumed. And how will well-funded start-ups like ClassPass impact the traditional gym industry?

The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) recently undertook the first research on the global thermal/mineral springs market—and just this week issued a dedicated report. And while nearly 27,000 hot springs businesses exist across 100-plus countries, the research reveals Asia and Europe dominate heavily. Consider: More than half of industry revenues come from China and Japan alone! Read on to see which nations are the hot springs leaders—and for a free download of the new “Thermal/Mineral Springs Economy Report.”

Twenty fascinating images from a book on the future of architecture…Like everything else, architecture is evolving at a furious pace, fueled by an acceleration of technology, material science and down-to-try-it attitude. A critical point: “The future of architecture isn’t about one trend. It’s about a hundred—if not a thousand—different things.” And in this new, great age of architectural experimentation, a key trend is innovating for human and planetary health: from efficient micro homes and hotel rooms to sandstone buildings grown from bacteria that could provide sustainable refugee housing to pools set in dirty, urban rivers that purify the water.