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 push for seamless AI integration into software, as with Microsoft Copilot, will likely lead to truly intelligent operating systems and applications that learn and adapt to individual user behaviour over time. AI Tools Insights
• [New] Among the research highlights, the US POINTER trial demonstrated that structured lifestyle interventions with greater support and accountability improved cognition in older adults at risk for cognitive decline. NeurologyLive - Clinical Neurology News and Neurology E
• [New] Human-driven climate change could fundamentally reshape ENSO's behaviour and its influence on distant regions, including parts of Europe. ScienceDaily
• [New] If developed carefully, Gidyea gum could stand as a leading example of how Australia can align new industries with cultural values, rural economies, and ecological restoration. CNS Media
• [New] OpenAI's new Instant Checkout feature, which lets shoppers buy products directly within ChatGPT, could help improve conversions as more users turn to AI agents for shopping. Digiday
• [New] As one of Singapore's most iconic integrated lifestyle destinations with international visitors representing 35% of its total footfall, Jewel provides Mastercard with the opportunity to capture tourist spend, while offering cardholders memorable experiences and everyday value as they shop and dine. DFNI
• [New] Medicare beneficiaries are already shopping for 2026's coverage, and open enrolment periods for many other health plans are approaching quickly in November. The Mercury News
• [New] AI will learn and predict customers' needs, turning shopping from a reactive experience into a proactive one - what Walmart calls agentic commerce. The US Sun
• [New] By 2028, shopping agents will replace 20% of the human interactions at ecommerce sites. Retail Touchpoints
• [New] Key takeaways from recent discussions highlight the urgency for retailers to adapt or risk becoming mere utilities in agent-controlled marketplaces: - Understanding the Landscape: Over 50% of consumers anticipate using AI assistants for shopping by the end of 2025. MWB Advisory Limited
• [New] Global construction activity is forecast to fall 4.5% over 2025 to US$9.3 tn and then grow 3.8% in 2026 to US$9.6 tn (all values in constant currently 2023 prices). Oxford Economics
• [New] In the long term, Walmart's strategic pivots will likely include further investment in artificial intelligence and machine learning to personalize shopping experiences, optimize supply chains, and enhance in-store operations. The Chronicle-Journal
• [New] In a year when every penny counts, the John Lewis £300 free e-gift card promotion stands out as one of the smartest shopping opportunities of 2025. cfihaiti.com EN
• People will have questions about lifestyle modifications for managing hypertension, as new guidelines from the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology continue to emphasize heart-healthy eating patterns like the DASH diet, sodium reduction, and increased physical activity. TRC Healthcare
• Main cabin sales declined 4% to $6 billion, signaling a shift in consumer behaviour that Delta expects will accelerate, potentially allowing premium seat sales to overtake economy sales by 2027. Fortune
• Retailers and CPGs will need to adapt to an environment built around invisible shopping - where customers use automation to help keep their homes stocked with a personalized selection of goods. Grocery Dive
• Walmart is partnering with OpenAI to make shopping more conversational, allowing customers to plan, discover, and purchase directly through ChatGPT. Optimove
• From seamless global online payment gateways to sophisticated customer relationship management (CRM) systems that use AI to predict purchasing behaviour, fintech is essential for modern luxury retail. FinTech News UK
• Preventing Colorectal Cancers AICR estimates that 47% of US colorectal cancers could be prevented if all adults were to get to a healthy weight and follow other healthy lifestyle habits. American Institute for Cancer Research
• Bain's survey of US consumers shows, when compared to last year, consumers expect to do more in-store shopping. Fibre2Fashion
• In India, several hospitals and healthcare initiatives have launched community outreach programs to educate women in rural and urban areas about breast health, risk factors, and lifestyle changes that can reduce vulnerability. KeyMyHome.com

Last updated: 30 October 2025