Future of Wellbeing

The viewpoint that we should care more about the wellbeing of future generations is an increasingly widely held and seemingly uncontroversial one. It’s a conviction that is shared by the Institute and one that’s even made its way to the UN, as well as several other legislative bodies around the world. This issue explores how far this logic should be taken - how many generations should our considerations extend to, and should their wellbeing have equal weight to that of present generations? Departing from contemplations of humanity's far future and returning to the near, this issue includes perspectives on the future of mental health, care work, the wellness industry, the cutting edge of wellbeing research, and the role of demographics in shaping our future. We explore the decline of play and the rewiring of childhood through digital technology, and examine how our over-reliance on infertility-causing chemicals has given rise to warnings of an impending 'spermpocalypse'. Finally, it looks to ancient wisdom for some timeless insights into how to live a long and healthy life.