Global Scans · Lifestyles · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Digital lifestyles are on the rise around the world and AR and VR will likely see us all using wearables, head-mounted displays and smartphones in almost everything we do. And, most of us will be living in cities too with full amenities close by.

• [New] Consumers in 2026 are more conscious of environmental and social issues, and they expect brands to align with their values. VLMS Global
• [New] Future growth, particularly in the US, will increasingly be driven by fashion and wellness-led collaborations and offerings, where luxury intersects with personal optimization, lifestyle, and experience. FashionUnited
• [New] A partnership among countries with shared values, such as the US, India, Israel, Italy, and Japan, could help mitigate challenges worldwide. The National Interest
• [New] Gen X, more than other generations, reported being worried that inflation would worsen in 2027 and that the rising cost of living would prevent them from living the lifestyle they wanted in retirement. PLANADVISER
• [New] Fastest-growing Region: Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region, driven by the rapid expansion of online shopping and direct-to-consumer sales, which is accelerating demand for durable, protective, and sustainable packaging solutions. Persistence Market Research
• [New] Flexibility will become the most valuable business asset in 2026, where stakeholders must align marketing strategies with evolving consumer behaviour rather than hoping for a dramatic revitalization of consumption. IWC
• [New] The balance between professional opportunities and lifestyle advantages makes Dubai an attractive destination for global talent. thenextdubai.com
• [New] Dubai's reputation as a global luxury hub continues to grow, attracting buyers seeking both lifestyle benefits and investment opportunities. Arthur Mackenzy Properties Group
• [New] Based on a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health, consistent health tracking and lifestyle adjustments can improve sleep quality and reduce stress levels, but unregulated interventions may pose health risks. Medical Daily
• [New] When Australians are stockpiling fuel in jerry cans in homes, that behaviour will inevitably lead to shortages. The Guardian
• [New] Social Media: TikTok Shop appears set to move from novelty to necessity, and we expect platforms to enforce built-in paid partnership / commercial content offerings in short video and live shopping more aggressively. National Law Review
• [New] By the end of the century, nearly half of the global maize growing area is projected to experience drought conditions annually under the higher emission scenario, compared to 38% under SSP2 - 4.5 (multi-model mean values). Nature
• [New] For decades, European elites convinced themselves that the world could be governed through expertise, that all major questions were questions of optimization - how to best regulate, redistribute, or nudge behaviour into sustainability and compliance. Brussels Signal
• [New] For 2026, experts point to discipline over hype, operational readiness over technology promises, policy risk over static models, and actual behaviour over stated intentions. Mirage News
• [New] As growth stalls in a number of beverage alcohol's mature markets, developing economies are poised to become the primary drivers of global expansion - but success will hinge on local knowledge of category dynamics, consumer behaviour and the regulatory environment. IWSR
• [New] By 2035, officials expect electricity resources to achieve optimized allocation nationwide, with price signals fully reflecting energy's environmental and capacity values. Crypto Briefing
• [New] Forward-looking estimates show even stronger expansion: one respected forecast values the sector at USD 29.46 billion in 2025, rising to USD 33.54 billion in 2026 before reaching approximately USD 91.85 billion by 2034 at a compound annual growth rate of 13.42%. Rosec Jewels
• [New] Successful companies like Patagonia, Netflix, and Anthropic demonstrate how integrating purpose into operations, offering visible impact opportunities, and reinforcing a mission-focused culture can attract and retain values-aligned Gen Z talent. National Today
• [New] Not sure there will be any growers selling despite the excellent moisture profile across much of Victoria, with canola input costs front of mind and the follow-through from the recent energy rally into canola values remaining underwhelming. Grain Central
• In 2026, brands that choose influencers aligned with their values and audience interests will achieve the greatest impact. Wisconsin Scorpions
• Asia Pacific is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the foreseeable period due to rising consumer adoption of smart home devices, increasing disposable incomes, and the expansion of connected lifestyles in urban areas. Precedence Research

Last updated: 02 April 2026