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…
2026 Nutrition For Healthspan Initiative 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…
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? 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…
A large study (2026) in JAMA Network (on 5,472 women aged 63 to 99 years) found that muscle strength was associated with significantly lower mortality risk in women—even for those not meeting guideline-recommended activity levels. The researchers noted that the findings were a surprise, as strength in older women turned out to be a key—and unique—factor in longevity, reducing the risk for early death by a third…
2026 Mental Wellness Initiative Trends Initiative Co-Chair: Prof. Gerry Bodeker, PhD, Green Templeton College, University of Oxford, United Kingdom; & Dept. of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York, United States. Public Health Academic & Clinical Psychologist Initiative Co-Chair: Alina Hernandez, Organizational Advisor, Germany The mental wellness trends for 2026 reflect a profound shift in how humans are adapting to a rapidly changing environmental, technological and social…
