By Caren Osten Gerszberg
It’s the start of a new year, and with it comes fresh conversations about what’s shaping the future of wellness. Last week, I found myself in the heart of Manhattan, attending the Global Wellness Summit’s Future of Wellness media event—a moment where experts, researchers, and industry insiders gather to unveil what’s next.
For those of us who track health, longevity, and the ever-expanding wellness landscape, this 130-page annual report is a goldmine of ideas, research, and insights. It spotlights what’s emerging in the world of well-being—and how it’s set to change the way we move, eat, recover, and even work.
So, what’s in store for 2025? These 10 trends stood out:
This is the year of logging off. As more people crave slower, less screen-saturated lives, the digital detox is evolving into a movement. We’re seeing a rise in retro tech (think Polaroid cameras and vinyl records), hands-on hobbies like ceramics and knitting, and the return of social gathering spaces—reading salons, game nights, and screen-free cafés.
Wellness retreats are taking note, too. Expect more phone-free adventure tours, low-tech cabins, and even new real estate trends prioritizing “dumb homes” over hyper-connected smart homes. (Phone-Free February, anyone?)
An ancient wellness tradition is having a renaissance—showing up everywhere from urban saunas to floating saunas to saunas with dance parties. What makes saunas so powerful? Heat exposure has been shown to improve cardiovascular health, boost mood, and enhance recovery.
And now, it’s getting a cultural twist. Think speed-dating saunas in London, grief-sauna therapy, and "saunatainment" events—where DJs, drag performances, and even TED Talk-style lectures unfold in the steam. No phones. No distractions. Just deep, human connection.
The $178 billion supplement industry has become as much about branding as it is about health—but that’s shifting. With AI, biomarker testing, and genetic insights, supplements are getting smarter, more personalized, and adaptive to individual needs.
Regulation is also catching up, with more scrutiny on “science-washing” and misleading claims. Meanwhile, women’s health is taking center stage, with formulations targeting menopause, hormonal balance, and fertility becoming a major focus.
The teen mental health crisis is impossible to ignore, with skyrocketing rates of anxiety, depression, and digital addiction. Now, the wellness industry is stepping in with solutions tailored to younger generations.
This marks a long-overdue shift—wellness is no longer just for adults.
Water scarcity is no longer a future problem—it’s here. With droughts and water shortages escalating, the spa and wellness industries are being forced to rethink their environmental impact. Luxury resorts are innovating with closed-loop water systems, filtered seawater treatments, and low-impact hydrotherapy. Without meaningful change, the industry risks becoming outdated and disconnected from one of the world’s most pressing environmental issues.
We’re no longer just treating disease—we’re optimizing biology. Advances in genetic engineering, brain-computer interfaces, and AI-driven health devices are ushering in a new era of performance-enhancement and longevity science. From wearable robotics improving mobility to AI-driven nutrition plans, this trend blurs the line between wellness and biohacking—shifting the conversation from "How do we avoid illness?" to "How do we unlock our full potential?"
With younger workforces shrinking and people working longer, companies are rethinking how they support older employees. Super Age Founder David Harry Stewart spoke on this trend, outlining a bold vision for age-inclusive workplaces.
We’re seeing:
✅ Flexible work policies for longevity-focused careers
✅ Mentorship and reverse-mentoring programs bridging generational gaps
✅ New wellness perks targeting aging workers' specific health needs
Wellness advisors specializing in career longevity will play a major role in shaping the future of work.
From alcohol and vaping to social media and opioids, addiction is one of the biggest public health crises of our time. Now, the wellness industry is merging with medical treatment to create judgment-free, holistic solutions.
This isn’t just about abstinence—it’s about harm reduction, mental health, and sustainable change.
With slow travel on the rise, wellness-focused cruises and train journeys are emerging as an alternative to high-stress travel.
Think:
🚆 Meditation and breathwork sessions on trains
🛳️ Biohacking and longevity programs on cruises
🌌 Astrotourism and silent tourism experiences for deep restoration
Even commuter trains are encouraging mindfulness with activities like onboard knitting and guided meditations.
The Middle East is rapidly becoming a global wellness destination, blending traditional healing practices with cutting-edge wellness tech.
From regenerative travel to mind-body wellness, this region is setting new standards for global well-being.
This year’s Global Wellness Summit makes it clear that wellness is no longer just about the body—it’s about how we live, work, and connect. The most significant trends of 2025 aren’t just about longevity hacks or biohacking gadgets—they’re about rethinking how we move through the world, how we show up for each other, and how we take care of the spaces we live in. Wellness is evolving. And in 2025, it’s more intentional, interconnected, and immersive than ever before. Which trend resonates with you most? Write to us and let us know!
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From analog wellness and heat therapy, to supplements and longevity destinations—Every year, the Global Wellness Summit forecasts what’s shaping the future of health and well-being.
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