How healthy living is becoming a priority for countries and employers

Health care is becoming an integral part of modern life, contributing to both personal well-being and the sustainable development of society. The wellness economy is expected to reach $7 trillion in 2025 ($4.4 trillion in 2020). Changing the approach to well—being and productivity is in the spotlight of the new issue of trendletters, produced as part of a joint project of the Human Capital Multidisciplinary Research Center and the UNESCO Futures Studies Chair (UNESCO Futures Literacy Chairs network).

For reference: This series of trendsetters continues the practice of publishing reviews of global technological trends since 2014 and presents a unique database of global trends and challenges in the field of human development. This research of the HSE ISSEK is based on the results of iFORA Big Data System, the Delphi survey (with the participation of more than 400 leading foreign and Russian scientists), expert sessions and interviews.

Over the past decade, there has been an increase in conscious attitudes towards health, including mental well-being, around the world. The United Nations (UN) calls a healthy lifestyle one of the key factors of sustainable development. Many countries are actively implementing programs aimed at increasing physical activity of the population, reducing the consumption of unhealthy food and alcohol, as well as giving up bad habits.

Employers have also become more concerned about the health of their employees, recognizing that it helps improve productivity and reduce the cost of corporate health insurance programs. Technological tools for self-monitoring of health and physical activity levels are becoming more accessible thanks to the development of technology. Modern wearable devices and mobile applications help people monitor their physical and emotional state, which motivates them to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Biohacking is gaining popularity, with adherents using modern technologies to improve memory, attention, performance, and stress resistance. Growing interest in one's own health and increased medical literacy are contributing to an increase in demand for diagnostic measures: disease screening and personalized recommendations for their prevention.

An equally important aspect is mental health, which depends on both innate biological factors and external conditions, including socio-economic ones. According to WHO estimates, $1 invested in increasing the availability of mental health services brings almost $4 in the form of improved overall health of the population and increased labor productivity. Special strategies to improve mental health are being implemented in 148 countries. Companies are increasingly launching psychological support programs for employees, creating comfortable working conditions, which helps attract and retain promising specialists.

The new issue of trendletter (Russian version) is available at thelink.

Previous issues of trendletters can be foundhere.