An IMGW News Lifestyle Feature Article
In an era marked by geopolitical turbulence, high inflation, and shifting societal values, the world’s wealthiest are redefining what it means to live well. Increasingly, high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) are directing their fortunes away from flashy consumer goods and towards something less tangible but far more enduring: longevity, health, and peace of mind.
“The ultimate indulgence, it seems, is not a car or a yacht, but a longer, fuller, and healthier life”
According to the 2025 Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report by Julius Baer, the cost of traditional luxury items – handbags, jewellery, and champagne – has fallen, driven by declining global demand. While the price of high-end tech products plunged by over 20 percent, the appetite for wellness-centred services soared. Business-class airfares surged by 18 percent, and bespoke healthcare interventions – from gene therapy to cryogenic treatments – have become routine among the ultra-rich. The report found that over 80 percent of affluent individuals are actively investing in life-extending strategies.
This shift is not a temporary fad. A broader cultural reorientation is under way. A recent survey conducted by HSBC and YouGov in the UK revealed that nearly half of respondents – especially among the under-35s – now equate wealth with early retirement, work–life balance, and the ability to prioritise personal well-being over material accumulation.
In tandem, the popularity of “quiet luxury” – understated elegance without logos – has grown. As status symbols become less about visibility and more about vitality, luxury is increasingly being measured by biological age rather than bank balance.
The movement reflects deeper anxieties about an unstable world. With markets volatile, property overvalued, and climate events intensifying, many wealthy individuals are anchoring their wealth in experiences and health – intangibles that transcend the noise.
The ultimate indulgence, it seems, is not a car or a yacht, but a longer, fuller, and healthier life.
Sources:
1. Julius Baer – Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report 2025 – Link
2. Swissinfo.ch – “High-net-worth individuals prioritise well-being over material possessions” – Link
3. The Guardian – “The ultimate signs of wealth: do you most covet a kitchen island – or early retirement?” – Link
4. Hubbis – “Julius Baer Publishes Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report 2025” – Link 5. HSBC – “Wealth is about more than money” – Link
