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…
Mental Wellness Initiative 2026 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…
Touchless Wellness Initiative 2026 Trends Initiative Co-Chair: Erin Lee, Founder of the Touchless Wellness Association, United Kingdom Initiative Co-Chair: Alina Hernandez, Wellness Concept Creator/Advisory Board Member, Germany TREND 1: Think Quantum III Quantum thinking is entering its next phase, and is now moving from theory into practical biological and technological applications. The Third Quantum Wave is less about philosophy and more about measurement. It focuses…
Sleep Initiative 2026 Trends Initiative Chair: Allison Howard, Founder and CEO, Nollapelli, United States Initiative Vice-Chair: JD Velilla, Founder, Designing Sleep, United States TREND 1: Sleep Tourism and the Growing Sleep Divide Sleep tourism has rapidly emerged as one of the fastest-growing segments of the global wellness economy. Luxury hotels, wellness resorts and destination spas are increasingly designing immersive experiences aimed specifically at improving sleep,…
Wellness Tourism Initiative TREND 1: Cocooning Wellness As global uncertainty continues to shape how we travel, many wellness seekers are turning inward, choosing restorative escapes closer to home for much needed nervous system resets. Short flights, easy-drive journeys and regional retreats are replacing long-haul trips, offering reassurance and simplicity, while still delivering meaningful and much needed wellbeing. These “cocooning” wellness trips allow travellers to step…
