Travel: A Simple Remedy Against Aging
A recently published study suggests travel could delay or slow the aging process, which is as good an excuse as any to go ahead and book that trip.
The study, “The Principle of Entropy Increase: A Novel View of How Tourism Influences Human Health,” was published in the Journal of Travel Research in August.
Travel has emerged as a compelling answer to the age-old question of how to maintain vitality in life. Researchers from Edith Cowan University (ECU), based in Australia, have notably applied the concept of entropy to tourism. This interdisciplinary study offers a fresh perspective on how tourism impacts human health.
The Concept of Entropy and Its Influence on Wellness
The universe tends toward disorder, a phenomenon known as “entropy.” According to ECU, tourism might influence this trend—where positive experiences can lessen the increase in entropy, ultimately enhancing health. Conversely, negative encounters could intensify it—which leads to a decline in well-being.
One of the standout benefits of travel is its potential to slow the visible signs of aging. Fangli Hu, a Ph.D. candidate at ECU and lead researcher, articulates this point poignantly. “Aging, as a process, is irreversible. While it can’t be stopped, it can be slowed down,” she explains.
Travel experiences, whether relaxing on a beach in Malibu or hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, do more than distract us from daily routines. They invigorate both physical and mental health.
“Tourism isn’t just about leisure and recreation. It could also contribute to people’s physical and mental health.”
How Travel Activities Foster Health
Exploring new places opens up a world of opportunities for enhancing wellness. Travel often encourages physical activity—whether it’s climbing the steps of the Eiffel Tower or walking the bustling streets of New Orleans. This exposure helps elevate metabolic rates, igniting a chain reaction that stimulates the body’s immune system.
Hu elaborates on this immune response, noting, “It improves the body’s ability to perceive and defend itself against external threats.” The self-defense system, in turn, grows more resilient. Hormones that promote tissue repair may be released, which plays a crucial role in rejuvenation.
Interestingly, the benefits arise from both leisurely and active travel modalities. While lounging on a beach can alleviate chronic stress, adventure trekking amplifies physical health. Hu emphasizes, “Leisurely travel activities might help alleviate chronic stress, dampen over-activation of the immune system and encourage normal functioning of the self-defense system.”
Physical activities such as cycling through the vineyards of Napa Valley or hiking in the Grand Canyon can strengthen the immune system. Hu writes, “Participating in these activities could enhance the body’s immune function and self-defense capabilities, bolstering its hardiness to external risks.” Physical exercise can also improve circulation, making the body a more efficient machine.
One fascinating fact reveals that just being in nature contributes significantly to physical and mental well-being. Studies show that spending time outdoors can lower cortisol levels, the body’s primary stress hormone. For many, simple walks through Central Park or a guided kayak tour in the Everglades become cherished moments that tout emotional and physical benefits.
As more travel opportunities unfold, the path to health becomes remarkably clear. Each journey, whether close to home or on the other side of the globe, can reduce the burdens of aging. The secret lies in embracing the experiences that travel has to offer—because perhaps, in wandering the world, one can find themselves along the way.
