The Global Wellness Summit, held in Mexico City, unveiled the Top 10 Wellness Trends for 2016. This year’s event was the largest yet, with over 470 delegates from 40+ countries. GWS Chairman and CEO, Susie Ellis, described it as a pivotal moment, bringing together leaders from diverse fields to discuss integrating preventative health into our lives burdened by chronic diseases and high healthcare costs.
10 Shifts in Wellness for 2016
1. From Cracking the Genome to Cracking the Epigenome
Experts like Dr. Deepak Chopra emphasize the future lies in decoding the epigenome, which is continuously modified by lifestyle and environment. Research is focusing on the 20 genetic markers that are modifiable through healthy living, promising significant epigenetic breakthroughs.
2. From Optional to Mandatory Wellness
Global economist Thierry Malleret highlighted the immense cost of chronic diseases and an aging population. Wellness will become mandatory, with governments likely introducing wellness tax incentives and insurance companies rewarding healthy behaviors tracked by wearable devices by 2020.
3. From “In Your Face” to Imperceptible Wellness
Wellness will be seamlessly integrated into daily life, with technologies like dawn-simulating lights, bed sensors, and responsive materials enhancing our well-being. Future homes might even adapt in real-time to residents’ needs, creating a truly immersive wellness environment.
4. From Workplace Wellness “Programs” to Total Cultures of Wellness at Work
The current “program” approach to workplace wellness will evolve into a comprehensive culture of health. Companies will focus on physical, emotional, and financial wellness, promoting fair pay, healthy workspaces, and work-life balance. Success will be measured by return-on-value (ROV) rather than just ROI.
5. From Medicine vs. Wellness to Truly Integrative Healthcare
Integrative medicine is becoming a reality, with leading medical centers adopting wellness and preventative care. Doctors may soon be reimbursed for preventing diseases, blending wellness with traditional medical practices.
6. Medical Technology Breakthroughs: from Ingestible Health Trackers to Stem Cells
Innovations include ingestible health-tracking nanochips and new stem cell harvesting techniques. These technologies promise precision, personalized medicine, and potential cures for diseases like ALS and Alzheimer’s.
7. Wellness Homes: Big Growth and Big Premiums for Owners/Investors
Homes and cities are being designed for human health, such as Mayo Clinic’s “City of Health” and Delos Living’s project in Tampa. Wellness real estate is profitable, with significant premiums on wellness-branded properties.
8. From Superfood and Diet Trend Hysteria to Sane Eating
Experts advocate for a return to clean, sustainably sourced, and intuitive eating. The future of food will focus on sustainability and pleasure, moving away from the obsession with superfoods and diet trends.
9. Wellness Travel Booming: from Emerging Markets to New “Pairings” for Wellness
Wellness tourism will continue to grow, with destinations offering transformative experiences. Wellness will be paired with various travel categories like adventure, culinary, and cultural experiences.
10. From Wellness for the Wealthy Few to the Democratization of Wellness
The wellness movement aims to reach a broader audience, including the young, old, wealthy, and poor. Success will be measured by net good rather than net worth, with a focus on inclusivity and accessibility.
Key Takeaways:
– Conscious Capitalism: Success will be defined by the positive impact on society.
– In Sickness and In Health: The wellness industry will embrace and support people with cancer and other illnesses.
– Meditation and Mindfulness Go Mainstream: Mindfulness will become more accessible and widely practiced.
– Focus on Children: Wellness programs for children will expand, teaching healthy habits early.
The GWI’s “Future of Wellness at Work” report, including surveys with Everyday Health, will be released in January 2016. For more information, visit The Global Wellness Summit.
