With the upcoming holiday season, a recently published study might inspire more people to hit the road: research indicates that “positive travel experiences” could contribute to a longer life. A paper titled "The Principle of Entropy: A New Perspective on How Travel Affects Human Health" from researchers at Edith Cowan University in Australia reveals that enjoyable travel experiences—such as social interactions, mental stimulation, physical activity, and healthy eating—can help maintain physical health and slow down the aging process.
The study emphasizes that many lifestyle habits recommended for medical and psychological well-being are closely tied to travel, such as socializing, enjoying nature, engaging in physical exercise, and exploring diverse culinary cultures. In short, immersing oneself in a new destination can decelerate the aging process.
In this article, we will explore the findings of this research and their implications for personal health and well-being.
Recent research highlights the potential health benefits of travel, suggesting that individuals who frequently travel may experience longevity. According to the paper, positive travel experiences—including social interactions, mental stimulation, physical activity, and healthy dietary habits—can contribute to better health and delayed aging.
In this interdisciplinary theoretical study, the researchers noted that many lifestyle practices endorsed by the medical and mental health fields are closely related to travel. These include socializing, enjoying nature, walking or exercising, and indulging in diverse food cultures. In essence, being immersed in a novel destination can help slow the aging process.
Fangli Hu, the primary author of the paper, explained to the media, "Travel is not just for leisure and entertainment; it plays a crucial role in individual and public health." She elaborated that environments, particularly beautiful landscapes like forests and beaches, can help reduce stress, improve mental health, and encourage physical activity. Interacting with other travelers, locals, and even animals can enhance our mood and cognitive function, while travel itself can promote healthy eating.
While this research did not elaborate on "how to eat while traveling to live longer," similar studies have been conducted. For instance, a study published in May in the Journal of the American Medical Association tracked 25,000 women adhering to the Mediterranean diet over 25 years and found that this diet reduced the risk of death by 23% during the study period.
The Mediterranean diet is based on the traditional foods of countries along the Mediterranean coast, primarily plant-based foods rather than meat, complemented by healthy unsaturated fats.
Earlier studies have also explored the relationship between dietary habits and longevity in regions known for long life, such as Japan, Costa Rica, and Greece.
The latest research also suggests that travel can enhance health and well-being across diverse populations. For individuals experiencing suboptimal health, travel can aid in physical recovery, prevent health deterioration, and serve as a non-pharmaceutical approach to alleviating symptoms, thereby improving the quality of life for those with health issues.
Of course, travel has its downsides as well. The researchers noted that travel can also lead to negative experiences that may result in health problems. In addition to inherent risks such as accidents, violence, and infectious diseases, some destinations may exacerbate anxiety or depression, which could be detrimental to health.
Jie Chen, director of the University of Maryland's Center on Aging, expressed agreement with the study, particularly emphasizing the link between travel and "aging gracefully." She stated, "Overall, this research advocates for the essence of healthy aging. Your environment, along with psychological and physical factors, constitutes an integrated system."
Hu mentioned that her next research focus will be on how travel can assist individuals with dementia or other chronic diseases. The researchers hope to expand this emerging field, promoting more vacations and fewer sick days.