The Future of Wellbeing: How AI and Technology Are Transforming Health, Sports, and Urban Life

From AI-driven diagnostics and personalised medicine to smart cities enhancing livability, these advancements are shaping a future that prioritises well-being, performance, and sustainability. As we transition from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0, the focus shifts towards a more human-centric approach, integrating technology to improve quality of life, health, and social inclusion. 

We are entering an exciting new era in healthcare, wellbeing, and sports, one where advancements in technology, research, and data-driven insights are transforming how we live, train, and care for our bodies. In this smarter society, the lines between healthcare and wellbeing are increasingly blurred, as innovations in wearable technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and personalised medicine reshape our understanding of health. From fitness trackers that monitor our heart rate and sleep patterns to AI-driven diagnostics that predict health issues before they arise, these tools empower individuals to take control of their well-being like never before.

Sports, too, is evolving beyond traditional training methods, integrating cutting-edge technology to enhance performance and injury prevention. From real-time performance analytics to biomechanical feedback, athletes can optimise their physical capabilities and recovery strategies in unprecedented ways. 

Moreover, the focus on mental health and holistic wellness has grown, recognising that true performance and health extend beyond physical fitness alone. As of 2024, approximately 29% of global consumers own at least one wearable device, indicating a steady increase from previous years.

This integration of health, technology, and sports not only improves individual outcomes but also contributes to a healthier, more informed society. As we leverage the power of data and emerging technologies, we are on the brink of a healthcare revolution that prioritises prevention, personalisation, and performance, ensuring that the wellbeing of individuals and communities is at the heart of societal progress. This smarter approach heralds a future where living longer, healthier lives becomes an achievable reality for all.

This change in society has been fostered by a transition from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0, which marks a significant shift from a technology-centric focus to a more human-centric approach. 

Industry 5.0 is not merely about advancing technologies but about creating a socio-technical future that prioritises human values, sustainable practices, and resilience. The focus on livability, healthcare, wellbeing, and sports within this context underscores the need to create environments that support human flourishing, reduce stress, and foster a sense of community.

The Industry 5.0 market is projected to expand from $131.1 billion in 2022 to $658.4 billion by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18%.

Industry 5.0 builds upon the foundations laid by Industry 4.0—characterised by the widespread adoption of cyber-physical systems, the Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence (AI)—by addressing the socio-economic and environmental implications of these technologies. 

The key difference lies in the reorientation towards human-centricity, which involves placing human needs, rights, and well-being at the center of technological and economic development. This chapter explores the role of livability, healthcare, wellbeing, and sports in achieving this vision, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

The role of livability in human sustainability

Livability is a critical component of human sustainability, directly impacting the quality of life experienced by individuals and communities. 

The concept of livability extends beyond physical infrastructure to include social, economic, and environmental dimensions. It refers to the creation of environments that are not only technologically advanced but also conducive to human well-being. This involves ensuring access to essential services such as clean air and water, safe and affordable housing, efficient public transportation, and public safety.

A livable environment supports social interactions, provides opportunities for economic participation, and promotes environmental stewardship. These elements contribute to reducing stress, improving mental health, and creating resilient communities capable of withstanding economic, social, and environmental challenges.

Urbanisation presents both opportunities and challenges for enhancing livability. Cities, as hubs of economic activity and cultural exchange, offer unique opportunities for innovation and development. 

However, rapid urbanisation can also lead to challenges such as overcrowding, pollution, and inadequate infrastructure. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that integrates urban planning, technological innovation, and community engagement.

Livability and the Smart City Movement

The concept of livability is central to the smart city movement, which seeks to leverage technology to improve urban life. As we have seen previously, livability refers to the overall quality of life in a city, including factors like safety, access to healthcare, transportation, environmental sustainability, and social inclusivity. 

The smart city movement aims to enhance these aspects through innovations like real-time data monitoring, AI-driven traffic management, and energy-efficient infrastructure. By integrating technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), smart cities can reduce pollution, enhance public services, and create more responsive urban environments. 

For example, smart sensors can monitor air quality and optimise energy usage, while AI-enabled systems help manage traffic flow and reduce congestion. Ultimately, smart cities strive to not only make urban areas more technologically advanced but also more equitable, sustainable, and livable for their residents. 

By leveraging advanced technologies such as IoT, AI, and big data analytics, smart cities can improve the efficiency of urban services, reduce environmental impact, and enhance the quality of life for residents. Examples of smart city initiatives include the use of sensor networks for real-time monitoring of air quality, the implementation of intelligent transportation systems to reduce traffic congestion, and the development of energy-efficient buildings. 

Corporations' efforts towards more livability

Companies are engaged in this concerted effort towards better livability. Siemens, for example, is actively involved in smart city projects and has been a leader in creating sustainable urban infrastructure. By leveraging IoT and data analytics, Siemens aims to improve energy efficiency and enhance urban livability through smart grids and intelligent building solutions. These technologies help optimise resource usage, reduce environmental impact, and provide residents with a higher quality of life.

Another example is Tesla, known for its contributions to sustainability through clean energy solutions. Tesla’s initiatives in electric vehicles, solar energy, and energy storage promote livability by reducing carbon footprints and supporting sustainable living. The integration of these technologies into urban planning can help cities become more environmentally friendly and resilient to climate change.

Livability also encompasses social dimensions such as inclusivity, equity, and participation. Creating livable environments requires ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status, have access to the benefits of urban living. This involves addressing issues such as affordable housing, access to healthcare, and opportunities for education and employment. By promoting social inclusion and equity, livable environments can contribute to reducing inequalities and fostering social cohesion.

Livability and the inclusion goals of the SDG agenda

Livability plays a crucial role in achieving the goals of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) agenda, as it directly influences the quality of life and well-being of individuals and communities. The SDGs, with their focus on eradicating poverty, promoting good health, and ensuring sustainable cities, align with the concept of livability by emphasising the creation of environments that support human flourishing. Livability ensures that cities and communities are not only technologically advanced but also socially inclusive, providing access to essential services like clean water, healthcare, housing, and transportation. These goals resonate with SDG 11, which seeks to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, underscoring the need for urban development that enhances the overall well-being of residents while addressing environmental and social challenges.

A key aspect of the SDG agenda is ensuring equitable access to resources, a principle that directly intersects with the concept of livability. Sustainable urban environments must prioritise social inclusion and economic opportunities, as highlighted in SDGs 1 and 10, which aim to reduce poverty and inequalities. 

Livable cities foster social cohesion by providing affordable housing, quality education, and opportunities for decent work, which help reduce disparities and promote a more inclusive society. As urban areas continue to grow, integrating sustainable development practices into city planning becomes essential to address challenges like overcrowding, pollution, and inadequate infrastructure. By leveraging technological advancements and data-driven insights, cities can optimise their services, reduce environmental footprints, and ensure that all citizens benefit from the advancements of modern society.

Environmental sustainability is another core pillar of both livability and the SDG agenda. SDG 13, which focuses on climate action, and SDG 7, which promotes affordable and clean energy, align with efforts to create livable cities that prioritise environmental stewardship. Livability emphasises reducing pollution, promoting energy efficiency, and fostering green spaces—all of which contribute to healthier, more resilient communities. 

Smart city technologies, such as IoT-driven energy systems and real-time environmental monitoring, play a vital role in achieving these goals by enhancing urban sustainability and reducing resource consumption. By integrating sustainability into urban planning, cities can create more livable environments that not only support human well-being but also contribute to the global effort to combat climate change.

Healthcare as a foundation for wellbeing

Healthcare is a fundamental pillar of wellbeing, playing a crucial role in maintaining and improving the health of individuals and communities. In the context of Industry 5.0, healthcare systems must adapt to meet the changing needs of populations, including the ageing demographic and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases. The integration of advanced technologies in healthcare offers new opportunities to enhance the quality, accessibility, and efficiency of medical services.

Telemedicine, AI-driven diagnostics, and personalised medicine are examples of how technology can transform healthcare delivery. Telemedicine allows patients to access healthcare services remotely, reducing the need for travel and increasing access to care, especially in rural or underserved areas. 

AI-driven diagnostics can enhance the accuracy and speed of medical diagnoses, enabling earlier detection and treatment of diseases. Personalised medicine, which tailors treatment to the individual characteristics of each patient, has the potential to improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.

The use of big data analytics in healthcare can also provide valuable insights into population health trends, enabling more effective public health interventions and disease prevention strategies. By analysing large datasets, healthcare providers can identify risk factors for diseases, track the spread of infectious diseases, and monitor the effectiveness of public health campaigns. This data-driven approach to healthcare can improve decision-making and resource allocation, leading to better health outcomes for populations.

IBM has been at the forefront of AI-driven healthcare solutions, exemplified by IBM Watson Health, which utilises AI to assist in diagnosing diseases, managing patient care, and personalising medicine. By leveraging vast datasets, IBM Watson Health can provide insights that enhance decision-making in medical practice, improve patient outcomes, and optimise healthcare processes.

Another leader in healthcare innovation is Philips, a company known for developing solutions that integrate AI and IoT to improve patient care. Philips’ telehealth solutions and connected care platforms enable remote monitoring of patients, ensuring timely interventions and reducing the burden on healthcare facilities. This is especially crucial in rural or underserved areas where access to healthcare is limited.

Google’s subsidiary, Verily Life Sciences, is another example of a company focusing on the future of healthcare. Verily develops tools and devices that collect, organise, and activate health data, aiming to improve health outcomes through data-driven insights. Their initiatives in wearable health devices and health informatics illustrate how technology can be used to enhance patient care and support preventative healthcare measures.

Ethical concerns

However, the integration of advanced technologies in healthcare also raises important ethical and privacy concerns. The use of AI in healthcare, for example, requires careful consideration of issues such as data security, patient consent, and the potential for algorithmic bias. Ensuring that healthcare technologies are used in a way that respects patient rights and promotes equity is essential for building trust and acceptance among patients and healthcare providers.

In addition to technological innovation, healthcare systems must also focus on the social determinants of health, which are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. Addressing social determinants such as income inequality, education, and housing can have a significant impact on health outcomes. By taking a holistic approach to health that addresses both medical and social factors, healthcare systems can better support the wellbeing of individuals and communities.