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] The structured lifestyle programs, including individualized meal planning, can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes onset by up to 58% in high-risk individuals. Market Data Forecast
• [New] The 2-to-5-year-old group will need lifestyle modifications such as healthier eating. Radio Pacific Inc
• [New] Many high-income earners in Singapore expect to work beyond the statutory retirement age, with a substantial share doing so for financial reasons rather than lifestyle preference. Insurance Business
• [New] For boards, executives, and investors alike, sustainability and corporate responsibility are not about signaling values; they are about managing risk and creating value in a fragmented, high-stakes global environment. Morrison Foerster
• [New] More than half of respondents say they have altered their behaviour over the past year because of fear of antisemitism, whether by avoiding publicly displaying Jewish identity or steering clear of certain places and events. Tel Aviv Diary
• [New] More than half of American Jews say they changed their behaviour in the past year out of fear of antisemitism - and for the 31% of American Jews who report being the target of antisemitism - in person or virtually - in the last year, eight in 10 changed their behaviour. AJC
• [New] Many people around the world are horrified by the Trump administration's threats to invade Greenland, the controversial capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, and the aggressive behaviour of U.S. immigration agents, including the fatal shootings of two American citizens. The Atlantic
• [New] 2026 is the year experience is product - if a consumer good does not offer emotional resonance, sensory delight, or lifestyle integration, it risks being seen as just another commodity. Viva Magazine
• [New] In 2026, AI adds the most value when it enhances prediction, prioritization and decision-making - helping brands anticipate needs rather than react to behaviour. The Gradient Group
• [New] While nearly three quarters of consumers now use AI while shopping, according to a global study by risk intelligence firm Riskified, it's still primarily a research tool used to compare price or product attributes. The Business of Fashion
• [New] The chaotic behaviour of the US administration on tariffs and geopolitical issues can cause increased volatility and risk. Daniel Kelly Private Wealth
• [New] U.S. policy toward the Soviet Union rested on an erroneous assumption: that Washington could influence Soviet actions by offering economic and diplomatic incentives to encourage better behaviour. Council on Foreign Relations
• [New] Results from the US POINTER Study provide encouraging evidence that lifestyle interventions can significantly improve cognitive health in older adults at risk for cognitive decline. BrightFocus Foundation
• [New] US AI companies are racing for supremacy, competing with each other and China, and rolling out AI for shopping, personal companionship and agentic systems that could slash corporate labour costs by making white-collar jobs redundant. The Guardian
• [New] Shopify merchants must anticipate future trends such as AR-assisted shopping, 3D image recognition, and real-time object detection. XD
• [New] Ignoring visual search could result in missed traffic opportunities, particularly as mobile shopping and visual-driven discovery continue to surge in 2026. XD
• [New] By 2030, we will have over one million people over the age of 65 and we want New Zealanders to retire with dignity and in a lifestyle they deserve. RNZ
• [New] Rapid growth in the use of AI chatbots and personal AI shopping agents: The concept of agentic commerce is developing swiftly, which is why retail analysts forecast that by 2026, one in four shoppers will rely on AI-driven chatbots when shopping. InData Labs
• [New] 2026 will mark a shift in traditional online shopping for pet owners. PetfoodIndustry
• [New] The common denominator to brands that succeed in 2026 will be adaptability: they will experiment quickly, respond intelligently, and stay anchored in clear values as everything around them moves. The Drum
• [New] AI shopping tools gain traction, but retailer pushback could cloud 2026 progress. Ekamoira

Last updated: 05 March 2026