By Monica Melotti
Read the original article in Italian here.
What does the future hold for wellness? What are the upcoming trends? According to the Global Wellness Institute, a non-profit organisation whose mission is to enhance well-being around the world, by 2022 the turnover for the global market will reach around 816 billion dollars and will exceed one trillion dollars by 2025. In order to investigate further this macro trend, Clinique La Prairie, a world-renowned clinic based in Montreux, leader for 90 years in the field of longevity, has carried out a study on the future of the health, beauty and wellness sectors. The research was based on a mixed model approach, involving both interviews with experts from different sectors, as well as a survey on a panel of big spenders. The results highlighted 8 key aspects, ranging from science to medicine, from circadian rhythms to the holistic approach, aimed at ensuring a longer and healthier life.
"As a result of the global pandemic, we pay much more attention to our health. This leads to stronger demand for ultra-customised preventive medicine, focusing both on body health and mental well-being, explains Simone Gibertoni, CEO of Clinique La Prairie. The wellness sector is expanding globally. Our research has identified 8 very precise trends. First, the epigenetics revolution. Epigenetics encompasses nature, our genetic heritage and our way of life. Ageing is a combination of time, inherited genes, environment and lifestyle, all factors which heavily impact on the expression of our genes. Managing to regulate the expression of our genes is a real challenge. AI-powered platforms will enable thousands of data to be organised, helping with the prevention of diseases resulting from genetic predisposition".
The brain must be trained
Another key point is brain training, aimed at increasing cognitive potential. Cognitive assessment tools are key for the future of neuroscience. In some situations, our brain may fail to perform properly, due to excessive agitation, fatigue, distraction, anxiety, anger, which can affect our balance. "Some processes can help us find a cerebral ‘balance’”, Gibertoni explains. “Amongst the most promising, neurofeedback is a method which, through electroencephalogram, can increase our capacity of psycho-physiological self-regulation, as an alternative to pharmacotherapy and with no side effects. The stimulation of brain plasticity is key and new solutions, such as brain mapping, neurofeedback-based exercises, nootropics and lifestyle-related, are being researched. With regard to brain plasticity, Professor Bogdman Draganski from the University of Lausanne has coordinated several studies, which also involve the prediction of senile dementia and the slowing down of its progression".
Nutrition becomes technological and ultra-customised
The third key point focuses on technological nutrition and is linked to epigenetics. It involves the analysis of how certain foods can influence the expression of our genes. In the near future, we will improve our diet by means of high-tech wearable devices able to monitor our body's nutritional needs, which will lead to the use of treatments such as nutraceuticals. "The optimal diet must be tailor-made and based on the genetic features of each individual. The benefits of a plant-based diet represent the fourth key point: these are increasingly proven, especially in relation to its anti-inflammatory properties. Similarly to supplements, they combine science and natural methods with the aim of improving our performance, rather than to overcome a deficiency. This is why, in collaboration with prestigious Swiss laboratories, we have created Holistic Health, a collection of cutting-edge longevity supplements. After five years of research, four health routines were developed, including Age-Defy, our premium product, which combines immunity, stress management, anti-inflammatory action, cell rejuvenation and longevity, i.e., the five pillars for a healthy life".
Reversed aging, the new longevity
Experts predict the possibility of exceeding 100 years of age: reversing the aging process in young people will be the upcoming challenge of medicine. The fifth key trend focuses on reversed aging. Geroprotectors already allow us to prevent the formation of senescent cells, and once they form, senolytic drugs help eliminating them. Indeed, in order to live longer, ’stretching’ the ends of chromosomes, the so-called telomeres (small portions of DNA) could be sufficient. The analysis of the length of telomeres is an accurate index of biological age compared to chronological age and represents an extraordinary step forward in medicine for the treatment of chronic diseases and the enhancement of longevity. The sixth key point involves stem cells, already used, for quite some time, for aesthetic medical treatments as well as in reparative medicine for the regeneration of tissues in injured or damaged areas of the body. In the future, they could also be used for organs, and the ambition is that of being able to create and replace vital organs such as kidneys, liver and lungs.
Circadian rhythm
The last two key points refer to the importance of the circadian rhythm and that of a holistic approach. Living and acting according to chronobiology is about to become a key health parameter. "Our circadian rhythm regulates many aspects of our health, including our digestion, hormones and the immune system, Gibertoni explains. Our internal clock also determines our optimal sleep times. Sleeping disorders are due to an alteration of the circadian rhythm, a desynchronisation between the internal sleep-wake rhythms and the normal light-dark cycle. Living in harmony with our circadian rhythm is also essential for the balance of our immune system".
Clinique La Prairie and the holistic approach
"A holistic approach is the last key trend, continues Simone Gibertoni. It involves a comprehensive approach to well-being, considering both body and mind together as a whole. Clinique La Prairie is the first clinic to base its longevity philosophy on a holistic approach in order to help people live a longer, healthier and better life. Our vision is based on 4 pillars: Medicine, Nutrition, Wellness and Movement. Thanks to over 90 years of constant innovation, research and experience in this sector, as well as 50 physicians, we lead the way in the field of the well-being and longevity of the future".
Future projects
Consistent with our desire to always be at the forefront, Clinique La Prairie is planning to extend its philosophy globally through the opening of new structures. "This development is going to take place according to three main models: Longevity hub & Medical Spa, a first structure of this type already existing at the St-Regis in Bangkok, with a second opening in Doha in 2022, Gibertoni tells us. Holistic Beauty Centres, based on an integrated approach, combining aesthetic medicine and anti-aging advice: Madrid already hosts such a centre. Finally, the Health Clinics, offering comprehensive wellness and medical treatment programs, such as in Montreux. Several openings are already planned throughout the next five years in many European cities, including Milan. Future projects also include the US, the Middle East and Asia".
Il Sole 24 Ore, March 22, 2022