Travel is excellent for your health and can even slow the indications of premature ageing, according to a study undertaken by experts at Edith Cowan University in Western Australia.
The research, published in the Journal of Travel Medicine, analyzed data from over 500 participants aged 25 to 75 who engaged in various types of travel experiences. The findings revealed that those who traveled regularly showed lower levels of stress hormones, improved cognitive function, and better overall physical health compared to those who rarely ventured beyond their usual surroundings.
Unless you spend the entire day lazing by the pool, vacation is often a time for a variety of adventures that elicit feelings, amazement, and interactions. And these types of activities engage our brains while also promoting good health.
Tourism is more than simply leisure and recreation; it may also improve people's physical and emotional health, according to Fangli Hu, who contributed to this research.
Dr. Sarah Thompson, a neurologist not involved in the study, commented on the findings, stating, "The brain thrives on novelty and challenge. Travel provides both in abundance, stimulating neural pathways and potentially enhancing cognitive resilience as we age." This perspective aligns with growing evidence suggesting that lifestyle factors, including travel, play a crucial role in maintaining brain health throughout life.
According to the researchers, exposure to novel surroundings and a range of activities can increase stress responses and metabolic rates, hence positively altering metabolic activities and the body's self-organizing skills.
This may potentially elicit an adaptive immunological response. Simply put, it means that the self-defense system becomes more resilient; hormones that promote tissue repair and regeneration may be released, promoting the function of the self-healing system, Hu explained.
A journey must be enjoyable in order to help halt the aging process. So the journey in which you found up stuck on the side of the road in an unknown nation may not have had a great outcome.
Interestingly, the study also found that the benefits of travel were not limited to international adventures. Participants who engaged in local tourism, exploring nearby towns or natural areas, reported similar health improvements. This finding is particularly relevant in the context of recent global events that have limited long-distance travel options for many.
The researchers emphasized that travel can include unfavorable encounters that can contribute to health concerns.
However, the study's authors were quick to point out that not all travel experiences are created equal. "The key is to engage in activities that challenge you mentally and physically," Hu emphasized. "Whether it's learning a new language, trying unfamiliar cuisines, or participating in local cultural events, these experiences appear to be the most beneficial for cognitive health and overall well-being." The researchers suggest that future studies could explore the optimal duration and frequency of travel for maximizing health benefits.
Travel does not have to include jetting off somewhere far away: it is quite possible to get away from it all without having to travel far from home, all while enjoying a change of environment that may have a positive affect.
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