New research proves travelling can slow down the ageing process
It turns out that going on holiday is good for you in more ways than one.
According to new research conducted at Edith Cowan University in Western Australia, travelling can actually slow the ageing process both physically and mentally.
The study, published in the Journal of Travel Research, is believed to be the first-ever that applied the theory of entropy - the general trend of the universe towards death and disorder – to tourism.
"Tourism isn't just about leisure and recreation. It could also contribute to people's physical and mental health," ECU PhD candidate Fangli Hu said.
"Ageing, as a process, is irreversible. While it can't be stopped, it can be slowed down."
According to the research, travelling, exploring new corners of the world and engaging in unique and relaxing activities can stimulate stress responses and elevate metabolic rates, positively influencing metabolic activities and the body's self-organising capabilities.
"Leisurely travel activities might help alleviate chronic stress, dampen over-activation of the immune system, and encourage normal functioning of the self-defence system," Fangli added.
While some people prefer relaxing holidays, others prefer to stay on their feet and keep active during their travels, enjoying the many well-known benefits of exercise.
It can "enhance the body's immune function and self-defence capabilities, bolstering its hardiness to external risks".
In response to their study, the experts suggested that "travel therapy could serve as a groundbreaking health intervention."
Despite the positive results of the research, experts also warned that travelling can exposed to infectious diseases, accidents, injuries, violence, water and food safety issues, and concerns related to inappropriate tourism engagement, which in turn will have the opposite effect on our health.
"Conversely, tourism can involve negative experiences that potentially lead to health problems, paralleling the process of promoting entropy increase," Fangli said.
Image credits: Shutterstock