GWI Blog - Page 5 of 294 - Global Wellness Institute

Africa Wellness Initiative Trends for 2026

Africa Wellness Initiative 2026 Trends Initiative Chair: Mariane Akwenye, Managing Director, Nomad Group, Namibia Initiative Vice-Chair: Michelle Saudan, Founder & Facilitator of Amanzi Wellbeing, Dubai-Zimbabwe TREND 1: Afro-Longevity The term “afrolongevity” represents a newly created word that sums up an African perspective for examining aging. The biophilosophical model brings together metaphysical insights from traditional thought with modern ethical analysis. Afrolongevity emphasizes the qualitative depth of aging:…

Psychedelics & Healing Initiative Trends for 2026

Psychedelics & Healing Initiative 2026 Trends Initiative Chair: Mary-Elizabeth Gifford, EVP, Psyence, United States Initiative Vice-Chair: Julia Mirer, MD, Director of Strategy, NeuroPain Health, United States Initiative Vice-Chair: Rick Doblin, Pdh, Founder & Executive Director, Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), United States If it seems the world is falling in love with psychedelics, it may be easy to understand why. Ground-breaking studies on these innovative…

Must-reads from the Wellness World (March 2026)

World Happiness Report 2026 shows a complex global picture of social media and happiness The annual report is out, and it’s again a story of Nordic domination, with Finland (#1 for the 9th year in a row), Iceland, Denmark, Costa Rica and Sweden ranking as the five happiest countries. Costa Rica at #4 climbed to its highest ever position (it was 23rd in 2023) and there were also positive gains for countries such…

Nutrition For Healthspan Initiative Trends for 2026

Nutrition For Healthspan Initiative 2026 Trends Initiative Chair: Michael Don Ham, Founder, Wild Orchard Tea Company, United States Initiative Vice-Chair: Alina Tyszkiewicz, International Business Development, Chief Wellbeing Officer, Poland TREND 1: The Ultra-Processed Food Backlash and Radical Transparency – Redefining What “Real Food” Means In 2026, a growing backlash against ultra-processed foods is reshaping the global wellness conversation. Consumers are increasingly questioning not only what…

Wellness Real Estate Case Study: The Picket Fence Concept Home

The Picket Fence Concept Home Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States The Picket Fence is a “concept home” constructed on a narrow urban infill lot in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, using consumer insights from the America at Home Study. The project was launched to inspire new ways that builders and architects can work together to create healthy and sustainable homes using design innovations and system-built construction solutions, while maintaining…

As Democracy Recedes Globally, What’s the Impact on Wellbeing?

As Democracy Recedes Globally, What’s the Impact on Wellbeing? By Thierry Malleret, economist Worldwide, democracy is receding to its lowest levels since the mid-70s, with many countries “autocratizing” at the same time. According to The Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Institute at Sweden’s Gothenburg University, a record 41% (3.4 billion) of the world’s population currently live in countries where democracy is deteriorating. Should this be of…