A recent study has found that traveling might do more than just broaden your horizons—it could actually help slow down the aging process. That's right, going on vacation might have health benefits, according to new research.
On September 5, a study published in Science Daily and led by Fangli Hu from Edith Cowan University in Joondalup, Australia, discovered that leisurely travel activities might help alleviate chronic stress, reduce overactivation of the immune system, and encourage normal functioning of the body's self-defense mechanisms.
Newsweek spoke with Hu about the findings, and she explained, "While this fundamental process of the life course is irreversible, it can be mitigated through various measures, with tourism possibly being one of them."
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Hu elaborated that the study applies the principle of entropy, a measure of increasing disorder or chaos in the body's systems, offering a fresh perspective compared to traditional views of aging, which focus on biological wear and tear.
She said: "This study distinguishes itself from traditional views on aging by applying the principle of entropy increase to understand how tourism might impact health... Traditional views on aging often focus on the inevitability of aging and the challenges of maintaining health. In contrast, this study integrates entropy, viewing aging as an increasing disorder in the body. Tourism—by introducing new experiences, promoting social interactions, and encouraging physical activity—could help manage and even fight against entropy, thereby mitigating some aspects of the aging process."
Hu explained that leading a healthy lifestyle combined with travel can enhance both physical and mental health. Experiencing new environments and immersing yourself in landscapes like forests or beaches can significantly reduce stress levels.
She added: "Travel promotes physical activity, such as walking, hiking, or cycling, which enhances cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and overall well-being. It could also foster social interaction, whether with locals or travel companions, which can improve mood, reduce feelings of loneliness, and enhance cognitive function."
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The study suggests that travel promotes healthy eating through fresh, local foods, while wellness centers and outdoor spaces help support physical and mental well-being.
The research has resonated with frequent traveler Lulu Townsend, 54, from Suffolk, England. A mom-of-two who typically travels six to eight times a year, Townsend has visited 40 countries, including Australia, Brazil, Italy, and Jamaica.
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"For me, traveling somewhere new is like being a child in a candy shop; excitement and so much choice, it's difficult to know where to start," she told Newsweek. "When I travel, my eyes are wide open. There are no limits to what I absorb and take in; the sense of freedom and the joy it brings is amazing which in turn makes me feel so alive and young."
However, Townsend admits that the lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on her well-being. "I was overweight, miserable, feeling and looking old (I dread to think what my biological age was) as [I was] unable to travel during lockdown!" she shared. "Travelling keeps me in shape, I walk a lot when away, and it makes me feel better both mentally and physically."
For Townsend, traveling is more than just a hobby—it's also her career. She has worked for The Hotel Guru for over five years and runs her own brand consultancy, Lulu's Luxury Lifestyle, where she specializes in privately owned boutique hotels.
"I like to live like a local wherever possible when abroad—for example: When in Rome, I will head to a café for a cappuccino and croissant rather than having a big, full breakfast," she told Newsweek. "I prefer walking around to learn about the city and how the locals live first before heading into any museums."
In her quest to stay present and enjoy her surroundings, Townsend even makes a point to unplug. "I have a rule that my phone is off after 7 pm," she explained. "I'm not great at taking selfies of myself next to monuments or places of interest, I would rather take them with people I meet along the way."
For Townsend, travel isn't just a pastime—it's a vital part of her life and work.
"I like to be planning my next trip before I head home, it's essential to my mental well-being to always have a trip on the horizon," she said. "Travel is part of my identity, it's what makes me tick, gives me motivation, makes me happy, and keeps me young."
Townsend's Top Tips for Solo Travelers
According to a 2023 survey by Statista, the primary motivation for solo travelers from the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom was a desire to explore the world without waiting for others. Approximately two-thirds of participants cited this reason, while 46 percent were driven by the sense of freedom and independence.
Townsend has shared four tips for people who are yet to make the plunge, she said:
- "Feel the fear and do it anyway."
- "Start with a short city break."
- "Step out of your comfort zone and experience something new."
- "If you're traveling with hand luggage and you're over the one plastic bag limit, take two and put them in two different trays at security. It has never failed!"
Update 09/15/24 2:39 a.m. ET: Lulu's surname has been amended.
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