Bruce Jenner. Then and Now.

In 1993 I served on “Pete Wilson’s California Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports”. Bruce Jenner was one of the other 14 board members and we worked together for quite a few years. I remember Bruce as a down to earth, likeable guy with a good sense of humor and a very collaborative attitude.

Countries with an Image Crisis? Wellness Tourism is Strong Antidote.

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.

“Running Into Old Age” – The Atlantic, Ian McMahan, April 22, 2015

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.

Mindfulness Initiative Led by Renowned Cinematographer Louie Schwartzberg

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.

Trend: Pay-As-You-Go rather than Membership (April 15, 2015)

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?