The traditional markers of success are shifting, replaced by a desire for purpose, connection and a life rich in joy. Many feel the pressure of an overstimulated world, leading to a profound desire for simplicity and genuine engagement with their surroundings and communities.
VML's "Future 100: 2026" vertical cut on the top 10 Lifestyle trends provides a visionary exploration of how we live, from personal well-being to social dynamics and consumption habits. This vertical cut offers insights and strategies to help you understand these shifts, empowering you to make informed decisions that align with your values and enhance your quality of life. Embrace the future by leveraging these insights to build a lifestyle that truly resonates.
The Future 100: Lifestyle Trends & Insights 2026
VML's Future 100 vertical cut on leading Lifestyle trends for the year ahead includes key insights on wellbeing, social health and conscious consumption
In an era marked by rapid change and constant demands, people seek more than comfort – they crave authenticity, fulfillment and meaningful experiences.
Top trends in Lifestyle from our Future 100 report include:
#32: Transformative experiences
Experiences are evolving into catalysts for profound personal change. 88% of people globally want experiences that feel meaningful, not just entertaining, and seek moments that inspire awe, wonder, or a renewed worldview.
#82: Social health
The strength of our relationships and a sense of community are recognized as vital components of health. 70% of people globally now see loneliness as an epidemic, highlighting the critical need for genuine connection.
#84: Joyspans
Longevity goals are shifting beyond mere lifespan to "Joyspans" – ensuring a long life is also a joy to live. Many are pursuing more joy and happiness in their life, with 85% believing the most important measure of a good life is feeling joy and purpose.
Download our 2026 Future 100 Lifestyle vertical cut here:
70% of Gen Z say luxury brands no longer define status in the way they once did, although 65% aspire to a lifestyle that feels luxurious. They're moving towards shared experiences, sustainability, and access over traditional individual ownership, as seen in trends like Shared luxury (Trend #80).
Wellbeing is becoming a primary driver, with one-third of people saying they would like to have more joy in their life (Joyspans Trend #84) and 48% of Gen Z and millennials planning to do more for their mental health (Resilience wellness Trend #81). This includes seeking transformative experiences and prioritizing social connections.
Consumers are making intentional choices, with 30% of Gen Z planning to spend more on small treats (Treatonomics Trend #61), indicating a shift towards deriving joy and comfort from Micro-upgrades (Trend #30) and indulgences, even amidst economic challenges.
Watch our Future 100 video
Welcome to the 12th edition of “The Future 100” – VML’s unparalleled research report examining key global trends. This report features our latest projections, interviews with top industry experts, exclusive statistics and global consumer insights for 2026 from a proprietary 16-country survey.
About The Future 100 report:
After another year marked by economic upheaval, polarizing political currents and environmental setbacks, 2026 will be a year for building resilience, courageous creativity and redrawing the boundaries of what’s possible. From the personal to the planetary, from human engineering to geoengineering the climate itself, a new class of creators and collaborators is multiplying potential in ways we are just beginning to imagine.
Helping to shape these worlds are AI tools that democratize world building and new economic models for building empires. As both creativity and AI go global, voices from Buenos Aires to Busan are challenging Western dominance and creating tools that reflect their own cultures.
Amidst this “metamorphic” current, the desire for human connection remains unmistakable. In the year ahead, human impulse will shape brand strategies, influencing the top marketing trends in 2026, and draw people back to immersive, high-impact experiences that demonstrate the value of authenticity and unlock infinite possibilities.
Download your copy of our 2026 Future 100 report here:
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