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It’s all joined up – happy people have better and more successful lives,
earn more, pay more tax and create fairer, more democratic societies.
This in turn leads to more stability and better prospects for the young.
All we need is for our politicians to realise this and do something about it
By Liz Terry | Published in Spa Business 2016 issue 4
De Neve: direct correlation between happiness and political stability
The connection between wellbeing and political stability isn’t immediately obvious, but new research and thinking on this subject is showing a powerful and very direct correlation which demands our close attention.
Speaking at the Global Wellness Summit in Austria recently, economist Thierry Malleret explained that we are hard-wired to object to unfairness and that our increasingly unjust world is giving rise to dictators, extreme political movements and civil unrest.
He said wellbeing strategies by governments around the world are essential to counteract this trend and also to offset the many factors which are causing ‘unwellness’, such as pollution, overconsumption of toxic social media content, unwell ageing, obesity, and diabetes.
The impact of happiness and wellbeing on geopolitical stability was also explored by keynote, Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, professor of economics at Oxford University.
He led with a quote from Ben Bernanke, economist at the Brookings Institution, who served as chair of the Federal Reserve: “The ultimate purpose of economics is to understand and promote the enhancement of wellbeing.” De Neve said there’s a clear correlation between happiness, wellbeing and economic success – and in turn, an impact on political stability and social cohesion. He cited Greece as an example, saying wellbeing in Greece was at its lowest level on record following the country’s economic collapse.
Research has found happiness is fragile – more easily destroyed than created – and people are twice as sensitive to loss of economic status as they are to its gain.
He showed a direct correlation between happiness and wealth – happier people have happier lives and this creates opportunity. People who are happiest at age 16, 18 and 22 will earn US$3,000 more a year than average by age 30.
However, he said “today’s adolescents are falling behind in terms of both wellbeing and mental wellness” and as a result will earn up to US$10,000 less than average in adulthood.
The deteriorating situation young people face in terms of their happiness, wellbeing and opportunity is a cause of huge concern. We’re building a world in which they’re more likely to fail and less likely to achieve their potential.
Essentially we’re building a less happy and less fair future.
With proven solutions available, we must mobilise as an industry and take every step we can to change this situation.
Liz Terry, editorial director @elizterry
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
Promotional feature: Phytomer
As a pioneer of marine skincare, Phytomer represents a story of three impassioned generations and a dedication to cultivating the purest spa ingredients from the northern French coast
In today’s premium spa environment, every detail shapes the guest experience – right down to
the softness of towels and the freshness of linens. [more...]
The Spa Life UK Convention returns from 21–23 June 2026 at Whittlebury Park Hotel, Spa &
Golf Resort, bringing together spa managers, directors and owners for two days of focused
education, meaningful connection and commercial insight. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers
COMPANY PROFILES
Myndstream
The Stream, Myndstream's purpose-built streaming service enables you to personalise the music to sui [more...]
It’s all joined up – happy people have better and more successful lives,
earn more, pay more tax and create fairer, more democratic societies.
This in turn leads to more stability and better prospects for the young.
All we need is for our politicians to realise this and do something about it
By Liz Terry | Published in Spa Business 2016 issue 4
De Neve: direct correlation between happiness and political stability
The connection between wellbeing and political stability isn’t immediately obvious, but new research and thinking on this subject is showing a powerful and very direct correlation which demands our close attention.
Speaking at the Global Wellness Summit in Austria recently, economist Thierry Malleret explained that we are hard-wired to object to unfairness and that our increasingly unjust world is giving rise to dictators, extreme political movements and civil unrest.
He said wellbeing strategies by governments around the world are essential to counteract this trend and also to offset the many factors which are causing ‘unwellness’, such as pollution, overconsumption of toxic social media content, unwell ageing, obesity, and diabetes.
The impact of happiness and wellbeing on geopolitical stability was also explored by keynote, Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, professor of economics at Oxford University.
He led with a quote from Ben Bernanke, economist at the Brookings Institution, who served as chair of the Federal Reserve: “The ultimate purpose of economics is to understand and promote the enhancement of wellbeing.” De Neve said there’s a clear correlation between happiness, wellbeing and economic success – and in turn, an impact on political stability and social cohesion. He cited Greece as an example, saying wellbeing in Greece was at its lowest level on record following the country’s economic collapse.
Research has found happiness is fragile – more easily destroyed than created – and people are twice as sensitive to loss of economic status as they are to its gain.
He showed a direct correlation between happiness and wealth – happier people have happier lives and this creates opportunity. People who are happiest at age 16, 18 and 22 will earn US$3,000 more a year than average by age 30.
However, he said “today’s adolescents are falling behind in terms of both wellbeing and mental wellness” and as a result will earn up to US$10,000 less than average in adulthood.
The deteriorating situation young people face in terms of their happiness, wellbeing and opportunity is a cause of huge concern. We’re building a world in which they’re more likely to fail and less likely to achieve their potential.
Essentially we’re building a less happy and less fair future.
With proven solutions available, we must mobilise as an industry and take every step we can to change this situation.
Liz Terry, editorial director @elizterry
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
Promotional feature: Phytomer
As a pioneer of marine skincare, Phytomer represents a story of three impassioned generations and a dedication to cultivating the purest spa ingredients from the northern French coast
Longevitix, a clinical platform for preventive and longevity medicine, has launched its AI-
powered intelligence system to help physicians deliver continuous, personalised longevity-
focused care at scale.
Atmantan Wellness Centre, an integrative wellness destination in Mulshi, near Pune in India, is
expanding its portfolio by adding a new centre in Hyderabad that will launch between 2028 and
2029.
A recent survey by the UK Spa Association (UKSA) into the industry’s approach to cancer care
has revealed that almost half of participating respondents (46 per cent) are unaware that
cancer is a disability and guests with a cancer diagnosis must be given
Mexican operator, Solmar Hotels and Resorts, is hosting a series of events in celebration of
Global Wellness Day, including a Temazcal ceremony at its Playa Grande Resort and Spa in Los
Cabos.
Mandarin Oriental has announced a standalone residence brand, Mansions, which will debut at
Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental Mansions, Abu Dhabi, in 2029.
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai in Hoi An, Vietnam, has put together a Global Wellness Day
(GWD) agenda with activations rooted in nature and shaped by four pillars of Joy – in
alignment with the day’s theme #JoyMagenta.
The Global Wellness Summit (GWS) will celebrate its 20th anniversary at the 2026 event in
Phuket, Thailand, later this year with the theme: The Science, Art and Soul of Wellness.
Auko, an all-inclusive development, is opening in Phong Nha in Vietnam in Q3 2026, with a
series of 30 tented eco-lodges and wellness hospitality operations by Lumina Wellbeing.
In today’s premium spa environment, every detail shapes the guest experience – right down to
the softness of towels and the freshness of linens. [more...]
The Spa Life UK Convention returns from 21–23 June 2026 at Whittlebury Park Hotel, Spa &
Golf Resort, bringing together spa managers, directors and owners for two days of focused
education, meaningful connection and commercial insight. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers
COMPANY PROFILES
Myndstream The Stream, Myndstream's purpose-built streaming service enables you to personalise the music to sui [more...]
