A short daily walk may do more for the brain than we ever imagined. New research indicates that people at higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease could slow cognitive deterioration simply by reaching 3,000 steps a day — a target that’s achievable for most older adults. Researchers from Harvard University tracked 296 people aged 50 to 90 for up to 14 years, using wearable devices to accurately measure their daily movement. Unlike earlier studies based on memory or self-reporting, this approach offered a clearer picture of how physical activity supports brain health. Participants also underwent brain scans to monitor levels of beta-amyloid and tau, two misfolded proteins linked to Alzheimer’s. Those with elevated beta-amyloid at the study’s start showed striking benefits when they stayed active: 3,000–5,000 steps/day → slower buildup of tau proteins → cognitive decline slowed by around 40% 5,000–7,500 steps/day → even slower tau progression → cognitive decline reduced by about 54% But more wasn’t necessarily better — benefits plateaued beyond 7,500 steps a day. Scientists aren’t yet sure exactly why light exercise makes such a difference. Theories include reduced brain inflammation, improved blood circulation, and boosted protective hormones — all known to support neural resilience. “It doesn’t need to be intense. Consistency is key,” researchers noted. Still, the findings aren’t definitive proof. People who feel healthier may naturally move more, and other lifestyle factors could play a role. Future controlled studies will be needed to confirm whether regular walking can directly slow Alzheimer’s progression. What isn’t debatable? The overall value of staying active. Walking is free, low-risk, and improves heart health, mood, sleep — and now potentially long-term brain function. As one expert put it: Don’t stress about hitting a perfect number — just keep moving. A simple daily stroll might be one of the most powerful tools we have to support our brains as we age. Read More: newscientist.com/article/2502635-walking-3000-steps-a-day-seems-to-slow-alzheimers-related-decline Sign up to Join Our Community: luxembourgexpats.lu

Luxair has kicked off the holiday season with the third edition of its much-loved Christmas collection — featuring quirky festive sweaters and matching socks — all for a heart-warming cause. Every euro raised from the limited-edition items will be donated to the Fondation du Grand-Duc Guillaume et de la Grande-Duchesse Stéphanie to help people experiencing hardship in Luxembourg. As part of Luxair’s ongoing commitment to social responsibility, the airline is encouraging the public to turn a fun seasonal purchase into meaningful community support. The collection has been created for all ages, ensuring families across the country can join in the spirit of giving. Available at Luxair Travel Stores and selected retail partners, the campaign will also pop up in three major shopping malls — Kirchberg, Cloche d’Or and Belle Étoile — during three festive weekends: 29–30 November, 6–7 December and 13–14 December. The designs embrace classic red and green tones with a hint of Luxair blue and a playful message: “Fasten your jingle belt.” Campaign visuals, photographed at Luxair HQ, are set against children’s drawings from a community event, underscoring the campaign’s family-focused and inclusive message. “This initiative offers a simple way for people to support neighbours in need while enjoying the festive season,” said Luxair CEO Gilles Feith, who expressed pride in continuing the partnership with the Grand Ducal foundation. Grand Duchess Stéphanie, who leads the foundation, highlighted the immediate impact of the campaign: “It spreads joy during the holidays while providing real support to those facing challenges in our country.” With creativity, community spirit and a touch of Christmas humor, Luxair once again proves that festive fashion can make a real difference. Sign up to Join Our Community: luxembourgexpats.lu

Luxembourg is preparing to host a high-level mission of the World Health Organization’s Universal Health and Preparedness Review (UHPR) on 27–28 November 2025 at Senningen Castle, marking a major milestone in the country’s effort to bolster health-emergency readiness. The UHPR is a voluntary, peer-review mechanism that examines a nation’s capacity to prevent, detect and respond to public-health crises, drawing lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and aligning with international health-security frameworks. The mission will bring together senior figures from the Luxembourg government, the WHO and the European Commission, including the Minister of Health and Social Security, the WHO Regional Director for Europe and the Executive Director of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme, as well as high-level representatives from the European Commission’s health and food-safety and health-emergency preparedness authorities. For two days, stakeholders will engage in strategic-level dialogue aimed at strengthening multisectoral coordination, transparency and accountability in Luxembourg’s health-security architecture. Luxembourg’s decision to participate reflects its strategic commitment to national and cross-border health resilience. By undergoing the UHPR, the country seeks to create a tailored action plan to address identified vulnerabilities in governance, financing and system coordination and to demonstrate transparent leadership in health-emergency preparedness. The process is designed to produce non-binding but robust recommendations and to foster peer-exchange among states on best practices and collaborative responses. Preparatory work led by the Ministry of Health and Social Security already includes the creation of a national commission and secretariat, broad consultations across sectors and the drafting of a detailed national review report. These steps underscore the whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach that the UHPR requires — extending beyond health ministries to encompass civil-society organisations, private sector actors and academic institutions. For Luxembourg, hosting the mission is more than a symbolic gesture: it raises the country’s profile as a pro-active contributor to European health security and aligns national action with the broader EU health-emergency preparedness agenda. As global health threats evolve, Luxembourg’s participation signals that even smaller states can play a significant role in setting standards, committing to meaningful reform and sharing lessons regionally. While the review does not impose legally binding obligations, its value lies in peer accountability, visibility and structured follow-up for capacity-building. As Luxembourg convenes the mission in November, the government emphasises that the exercise will generate concrete next-steps, mobilise domestic and external resources and build momentum for stronger preparedness — ensuring the country is better equipped for whatever health crisis comes next. WHO - who.int/luxembourg/events/item/2025/11/27/default-calendar/luxembourg-s-universal-health-and-preparedness-review-high-level-mission?utm_source Read More: gouvernement.lu/en/actualites/toutes_actualites/communiques/2025/11-novembre/21-deprez-uhpr-oms.html Sign up to Join Our Community : luxembourgexpats.lu

Travellers in Luxembourg will gain a new northern connection as Finnair plans to introduce a direct route linking Luxembourg Airport to Helsinki in 2026. The airline’s expansion aims to strengthen travel between the heart of Europe and the Nordic region, offering passengers easier access to Finland’s capital and its long-haul network across Asia. The upcoming link is part of a broader strategy by Finnair to widen its European footprint after several years of industry challenges. With Luxembourg’s fast-growing international community and business landscape, the new connection is expected to attract both corporate and leisure passengers seeking efficient travel towards Scandinavia and beyond. Helsinki Airport serves as a major hub for flights heading toward Japan and other Asian destinations, giving travellers from Luxembourg an additional gateway to the east. The route is projected to improve Finland’s tourism outreach as well, inviting visitors to discover Helsinki’s coastal culture and the country’s vast natural attractions. Schedules and frequencies have not yet been finalised, but initial plans foresee regular weekly connections from the start of summer 2026. Aviation observers say more details will follow as airlines continue to assess demand and fine-tune their upcoming season plans. For Luxembourg, the launch represents another boost to its air connectivity, reinforcing Findel Airport’s recovery and its role as an efficient point of travel within Europe. With the growing interest in Nordic destinations and the convenience of direct links, the new Finnair route is likely to be welcomed by travellers looking for fresh options in their 2026 plans. Sign up to Join Our Community: luxembourgexpats.lu

In Luxembourg, the Fédération Hospitalière du Luxembourg (FHL) and the major trade-union associations OGBL-LCGB have jointly issued a strong defence of the nation’s public healthcare model, rejecting changes that risk creating a system of “medicine for a select few”. Their declaration on 17 November 2025 comes amid proposed reforms including private medical companies and the decision by doctors to pull out of the convention with the Caisse Nationale de Santé (CNS). The FHL and unions argue these shifts threaten equal access to treatment. They emphasise that mandatory physician convention-tariffs ensure all patients receive care under the same conditions, and that any move away from this principle risks privileging those who can pay more. They oppose what they view as the commercialisation of healthcare and call for the convention system to remain intact. While the public ownership structure is not their key concern, the biggest danger facing the system today is the shortage of staff. The organisations stress that attracting and retaining skilled personnel must be a priority. They argue for improved working conditions, expanded training programmes and recognition of foreign diplomas to ensure the system remains sustainable. The statement also supports developing decentralised outpatient centres to improve regional access — provided these remain integrated with the state system and hospital network, preserving a unified service structure. Furthermore, the FHL and unions insist that the collective agreement for hospital workers must apply to all healthcare staff, whether at central hospitals or in new regional facilities, to prevent inequality in employment terms. Their message is clear: healthcare in Luxembourg should be a common good — not a luxury. They reaffirm the country does not need care meant only for the wealthy, but rather a strengthened universal system that has proven effective and sustainable so far. Sign up to Join the Community: luxembourgexpats.lu 

Women across the European Union earn on average just €0.88 for every euro a man makes, according to a recent analysis from the European Commission. This figure reflects a gender pay gap of 12%, meaning that by 17 November, women in effect begin working without pay for the remainder of the year — a date which Brussels designates as this year’s “Equal Pay Day”. While the gap has narrowed by around 4 percentage points over the past decade, progress has been uneven and slower than many hoped. The Commission highlights that roughly 24% of the gap can be attributed to the fact that women are over-represented in lower-paid sectors such as healthcare, education and social services. In addition, women spend more time each week on unpaid labour — such as caregiving and household tasks — which can limit their opportunities for advancement and smaller wage growth over time. Less than one in ten company CEOs across the bloc are women, pointing to structural barriers at higher levels of the workforce. In response, the Commission is pushing forward a set of reforms, notably the Pay Transparency Directive, which will require companies to provide more detailed salary data and act if gender pay gaps exceed 5%. The directive is slated to come into force by June 2026 at the latest. Brussels is also preparing its upcoming Gender Equality Strategy for the post-2025 period, seeking deeper progress across employment, pay and care services. Despite improvements, the pay gap remains meaningful. For women in the EU this year, the implication is stark: the discrepancy in pay means that a portion of their work effectively goes unpaid — a reminder of the work ahead to achieve full gender income equality. Read More: euronews.com/my-europe/2025/11/17/pay-inequality-means-women-work-for-free-until-years-end-european-commission-says

Luxembourg’s unemployment rate dropped to 5.9% as of 31 October 2025, according to data released by Agence pour le développement de l’emploi (ADEM) and the statistics office. The number of resident jobseekers registered with ADEM stood at 18,720, up slightly (+2.3%) compared to the same time last year, driven largely by increases among highly qualified candidates (+9.4%), those aged 45 and over (+4.1%), and long-term jobseekers (+5.0%). The number of young jobseekers fell slightly by 0.7% to 3,697. In October, employers notified ADEM of 3,141 job vacancies, while the stock of available positions climbed 7.8% year-on-year to reach 7,218. Meanwhile, the number of recipients of full unemployment benefits dropped by 575 individuals (−5.5% year-on-year) to 9,800. The figures suggest a labour market that is cooling slowly in terms of unemployment, while showing signs of growth in job opportunities. Read More : statistiques.public.lu/en/actualites/2025/adem-10-25.html?utm_source ADEM : adem.public.lu/en/actualites/adem/2025/11/cp-cc-2025-10.html?utm_source Sign up here to Join the community : luxembourgexpats.lu

It’s no coincidence that in families around the world, the women so often seem to be the ones still going strong at 80, 90, or beyond. Across history and cultures, women consistently outlive men and show stronger resistance to infections — from everyday viruses to more serious diseases. They also tend to respond better to vaccinations. For decades, we saw these patterns without fully understanding the science behind them. Today, advances in genetics, virology and immunology are finally revealing why women have an immune edge — and what that means for the future of medicine. The Power of Two X Chromosomes The biggest biological advantage begins at birth. Women have two X chromosomes, while men have one X and one Y. The X chromosome carries many genes crucial for the immune response. When women have two copies, they essentially benefit from a backup system, leading to: Faster detection of pathogens Stronger immune defense Better immune memory after recovery This double-X advantage helps maintain immune performance well into later life. Hormones that Boost Protection Estrogen — a key female hormone — isn’t just important for reproduction. It also activates immune cells, helping the body eliminate infections more efficiently. Meanwhile, testosterone in men can have a suppressive effect on the immune system, making it slower to respond. This hormonal influence becomes especially clear after puberty, when differences in immune performance widen between men and women. Better Response to Vaccines Women’s immune systems not only react quickly when sick — they also remember threats longer. That’s why many vaccines: Work more effectively in women Produce longer-lasting protection This has become especially relevant in the era of global epidemics, where immune resilience truly matters. But Strength Has a Flip Side A powerful immune system is a double-edged sword. Women are far more likely to develop autoimmune diseases, where the immune system becomes overactive and mistakenly attacks the body. This highlights that “stronger” doesn’t always mean “simpler.” A New Era of Personalized Medicine As researchers continue to explore these biological differences, one thing becomes clear: Healthcare is not one-size-fits-all. Recognizing sex differences in the immune system could lead to: Tailored vaccine dosages More effective treatments for infections Better targeted cancer therapies Improved strategies for managing autoimmune diseases. This knowledge doesn’t just help women — it helps everyone. When we understand diverse immune responses, we can build stronger, smarter and fairer medical care. Read More : newscientist.com/article/2501447-women-have-supercharged-immune-systems-and-we-now-know-why Sign Up here to join community : luxembourgexpats.lu

Luxembourg’s Chamber of Commerce hosted the second day of Internet Days 2025 on 19 November, bringing together digital leaders, policymakers and technology experts to discuss the country’s evolving digital sovereignty and resilience. The day opened with Media65 CEO Peter Poehle and a keynote from Claude Demuth, Chairman of LU-CIX. Demuth highlighted this year’s core themes—security, sovereignty and resilience—not as technical buzzwords but as essential principles shaping Europe’s future. He stressed the need for a strong European Union and greater technological independence, noting that “there is no real freedom without sovereignty, and no sovereignty without technological sovereignty.” Manuel Picco, Head of Information Security at the Government IT Centre (CTIE), addressed the growing complexity of cyberthreats and the crucial role of national infrastructure. He explained how CTIE works with trusted local partners to protect critical services, emphasising that skilled people are just as vital as advanced systems. According to Picco, human agility, judgment and strategic foresight remain central to maintaining digital resilience. Amandine Le Pape, Co-founder and Acting Managing Director of the Matrix.org Foundation, discussed the advantages of open-source technology in strengthening Europe’s digital autonomy. She noted that open-source standards ensure transparency and reduce reliance on foreign tech platforms—key elements in Europe’s push for digital sovereignty. She highlighted the growing collaboration between Matrix.org, European public institutions and the European Commission. Gilles Massenceo from Fondation Restena followed with insights on the critical role of a robust DNS infrastructure. He underlined how secure and resilient domain name systems support national integrity during crises and encouraged organisations to consider the long-term sovereignty impact of their digital choices. Luxembourg’s Minister for Digitalisation, Stéphanie Obertin, closed the session with remarks on the country’s state-operated cloud infrastructure. Fully run by the government since 2016, it provides public administrations with high-level data protection and reliable IT services. She also noted that Luxembourg increasingly relies on open-source solutions aligned with European interoperability standards, reflecting a national strategy based on transparency, openness and collaboration. The conference concluded with expert panels on supply chain security, operational digital resilience across the EU and the implications of Europe’s AI Act, followed by a networking reception. Read more : luxembourg-internet-days.com Chamber of Commerce : cc.lu/en/agenda/detail/luxembourg-internet-days-2

Luxembourg may be small in size, but when it comes to showing gratitude, the country’s generosity stands tall. A new study from delivery platform Wolt shows that Luxembourgers tip more per order than customers in several other wealthy European nations. According to Wolt’s data, only 17% of customers in Luxembourg leave a tip — but when they do, they make it count. The average tip comes in at €1.97, placing the Grand Duchy at the top of the five countries included in the study. Germany, by contrast, has more frequent tippers (25%), yet their average tip is slightly lower at €1.85. Meanwhile, Norway — rich in oil but somewhat modest in tipping habits — shows only 11% of customers tipping, with an average of €1.96. Within Luxembourg, generosity varies by region. Mersch emerges as the most giving town, with 23% of users tipping and an impressive €2.15 average. Luxembourg City follows at €1.97, while Wiltz tips average €1.91. “All tips go directly to the courier,” says Tomás Etcheverry, General Manager for Wolt Luxembourg. He emphasises that tipping isn’t mandatory: “But it’s a kind gesture when you’re pleased with the service — and let’s be honest, there’s real joy in having your sushi or burger show up on time and with a smile.” For couriers navigating rainstorms, traffic, and late-night deliveries, even small tips and friendly notes make a meaningful difference. They already earn a fair income, but tips add a personal touch of appreciation. Etcheverry sums it up simply: “If your order arrives hot, fast, and with care, a little extra thank-you goes a long way — for the courier, and for your karma.” Read More: press.wolt.com/en-LU/257986-big-hearts-small-country-luxembourg-tips-more-than-other-rich-countries