Is Your City Expensive for Expats?

Many people don’t live in the country of their birth. They might leave in order to search for a better life; to find better work; to join a family member; or to enjoy a change. Certainly, the cost of doing so and the cost of living in this new country isn’t the same from place to place and it’s important to be educated before taking such a leap.

Each year the Mercer Cost of Living Survey examines 226 cities and over 200 items in each location. These include items like transportation, clothing, food and entertainment. Cost of living has certainly been increasing around the world in the last few years, and the survey reflects that. In the US, for instance, seven cities appeared in the top 20 most expensive locations for expats.

The impact of such findings is explained by Vince Cordova at Mercer US as he explains, “As US-based companies continue to source talent globally, inflationary pressures may give some inbound foreign nationals pause to accept a position in some of the high-cost cities and metro areas in the US.”

The survey reveals that Hong Kong remains the most expensive city for expats, followed by Singapore. Swiss cities, including Zurich, Geneva, Basel, and Bern, dominate the top rankings, indicating high expenses related to housing, transportation, and general goods. New York and Los Angeles represent the U.S. among the top ten, with New York securing seventh place and Los Angeles tenth. London has risen to eighth from seventeenth.

Limit TV Watching for Aging Well

Swapping television time for physical activity is a trade with considerable benefits for healthy aging, as evidenced by a new study spearheaded by Dr. Molin Wang of Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health. This study, involving data from the Nurses’ Health Study, followed over 45,000 individuals aged 50 and above from 1992, assessing their sedentary behavior and physical activity over two decades. The results, published in JAMA Network Open, highlight a clear correlation: every additional two hours of TV viewing decreased the likelihood of aging healthily by 12%, whereas increasing light physical activities by the same duration improved it by 6%.

Prolonged sitting is detrimental to health primarily due to its negative impact on various body systems. When we sit for extended periods, our body’s metabolism slows down, leading to reduced blood flow and decreased calorie burning. This sedentary behavior can contribute to the buildup of fats in the blood and lower the effectiveness of insulin, escalating the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Furthermore, sitting for long durations can lead to muscle degeneration and weakening, particularly in the lower body, which is crucial for stability and movement. The posture often associated with sitting—hunched shoulders and a forward head position—can also lead to chronic back and neck pain, compounding stress on spinal discs and contributing to long-term issues like osteoporosis and decreased mobility.

Dr. Andrew Freeman of National Jewish Health, although not involved in the study, supports these findings, noting the physiological drawbacks of prolonged sedentary periods. The study’s definition of healthy aging includes reaching 70 years without major chronic diseases or impairments in memory, physical, and mental health. The study underscores the detrimental effects of sedentary habits, such as increased cardiovascular risks and higher blood pressure, which are exacerbated by typical American diet habits, like high salt intake.

To combat these risks, Freeman suggests practical workplace adjustments like standing or treadmill desks and encourages regular movement breaks. He also advises integrating activity with television time, such as exercising or setting screen time limits. This holistic approach not only combats the ill effects of sitting but also promotes a lifestyle conducive to long-term health.

Art for Longevity?

While we often view art as a form of leisure or luxury, a growing body of research suggests that engaging with the arts could be as essential to our health as exercise and nutrition. Whether creating art or simply appreciating it, studies show that art-related activities can profoundly impact our physical and mental well-being.

Healthcare professionals are increasingly recognizing the therapeutic benefits of the arts. Engaging in creative activities has been linked to improvements in a range of physical and mental conditions, from heart disease and obesity to depression and dementia. These activities stimulate our brains, enhance neuroplasticity, and trigger the release of beneficial neurochemicals and hormones.

Authors like Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross in their book, “Your Brain on Art,” argue that art engagement is a crucial aspect of human experience, offering benefits that can promote healing and well-being. Similarly, Bianca Bosker in her recent book, “Get the Picture,” discusses art not just as a luxury but as a fundamental human need, rooted in our evolutionary history.

Art’s power to evoke emotional and physiological responses is remarkable. It activates multiple brain networks, impacts our sensory experiences, and can even lead to profound physical reactions, such as those experienced by people with Stendhal syndrome when encountering particularly moving artworks.

These experts suggest making art a regular part of our lives, emphasizing that it is not the quality of the art that matters but the act of engaging with it. Regular interaction with art can enhance cognitive functions, lower stress levels, and even extend life expectancy. Thus, integrating art into our daily routines might not only enrich our lives aesthetically but could also be essential for our health.

Beautiful Hiking Trails in Europe

As summer is fast approaching, it’s time to think about your travel plans. While city travel is always fun, getting out into the countryside and enjoying some beautiful hiking trails can really make for a relaxed, less expensive trip. Here are a few of the many trails covered in a recent article on CNN that just might peak your interest.

  • Karhunkierros Trail, Finland: Stretching 82 kilometers through Finnish Lapland, this trail offers a wilderness experience in Oulanka National Park, populated with wildlife and lush forests, best explored during the bright summer nights.
  • King Charles III England Coastal Path: Spanning 4,300 kilometers, this extensive trail covers diverse landscapes from Cornwall’s cliffs to the serene vistas of Suffolk and Norfolk, suitable for short and long hikes.
  • John Muir Way, Scotland: This 215-kilometer coast-to-coast trail passes through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, celebrating John Muir’s environmental legacy.
  • Apuseni Mountains, Romania: A four-day hike through these majestic mountains offers encounters with wildlife and a traditional Romanian cultural experience.
  • The Camino Frances, France and Spain: The most popular route of the Camino de Santiago, this pilgrimage trail spans from St. Jean in France to Santiago in Spain, rich in historical and spiritual significance.
  • Engadine Panorama Trail, Switzerland: A 55-kilometer trail in southeastern Switzerland, ideal for beginners and those seeking less strenuous routes through picturesque Alpine landscapes.
  • Rota Vicentina Fishermen’s Trail, Portugal: A 225-kilometer path along the Atlantic coast, offering a unique perspective on Portugal’s natural beauty.
  • Laugavegur Hiking Trail, Iceland: Open from July to September, this 55-kilometer trail showcases Iceland’s unique volcanic landscapes and geothermal springs.

These hikes provide a perfect blend of exercise, peace, and connection to some of Europe’s most stunning natural environments.

Watching the Watch Market

Fashion tends to be cyclical and it’s interesting to see what people are focused on today. Surprisingly the answer to that appears to be watches.

Many people assume a watch is a utilitarian item – but there is an entire world of luxury watch buyers and those who watch the market closely. This fascination was underscored recently when a gold watch once belonging to John Jacob Astor IV, who died on the Titanic, sold at auction for £1.175 million. This sale not only shattered expectations but also set a new record for Titanic-related items.

The high demand for such watches stretches beyond their historical narratives to encompass a genuine appreciation for craftsmanship and rarity. This is exemplified by the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, one of the most complex watches ever crafted. Only seven exist, enhancing its allure and making it a coveted item at auctions, where it is projected to attract bids of up to $5 million.

The enthusiasm for vintage and limited-edition watches is not confined to the traditional auction circuit. The secondary market for luxury watches has seen significant growth, particularly among younger generations. A Boston Consulting Group study revealed that nearly 95% of collectible watches are discontinued models, adding to their uniqueness and desirability.

This trend reflects a broader cultural shift where luxury watches are cherished not only for their aesthetic and functional attributes but also as investments and symbols of personal status. As the market continues to evolve, these timepieces remain a profound expression of cultural value and technological achievement, holding a unique position in both the fashion and collectibles landscapes.

Cutting Hair and Changing Lives

Most people know and appreciate how hard it is to reintegrate into society after being in jail. They also recognize how hard it must be to find stable and rewarding work with such a mark on their past. Most people do not, however, try to solve these issues and offer solutions that are as unique and interesting as R&R Head Labs.


R&R Head Labs, founded by James Repenning in Denver, Colorado, is an innovative barbershop that integrates professional hair care with social impact, targeting the rehabilitation and reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals. Through a partnership with Colorado prisons and the support of the Colorado Department of Corrections, the program recruits inmates for barbering apprenticeships that provide immediate work opportunities and a path to licensure.

The shop’s design is mindful of its employees’ past experiences, avoiding certain colors and arranging barber chairs to minimize potential triggers. Key to the project’s success is Charles Smith, a former inmate who now leads recruitment and reentry efforts, emphasizing the critical role of stable employment in preventing recidivism. R&R Head Labs not only focuses on providing jobs but also creates a welcoming and inclusive environment, aiming to expand its unique model to other cities.