Recently published research suggests that travel may delay or even slow the aging process, which is a good excuse to book a trip.
The study, titled “The Entropy Increasing Principle: A New Perspective on the Impact of Tourism on Human Health,” was published in the Journal of Travel Research in August.
The study “applies entropy theory to the tourism industry,” Edith Cowan University (ECU) outside Perth, Australia, said in a statement on September 5. It is believed to be the first interdisciplinary study of its kind.
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ECU noted that “entropy” is the universe's tendency toward disorder.
“From an entropy perspective, it is suggested that tourism may induce changes in entropy, with positive experiences having the potential to buffer increases in entropy and promote health, while negative experiences may contribute to increases in entropy and undermine health,” the university said.
Recent studies have shown that traveling is good for a person's mental and physical health. (iStock)
ECU noted that some of these health benefits include “delaying the signs of aging.”
“Aging as a process is irreversible; it cannot be stopped, but it can be slowed down,” Fanli Hu, a doctoral student at ECU and lead researcher on the study, said in a statement.
“Tourism is not just about leisure and recreation. It can also contribute to people's physical and mental health.”
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Positive experiences while travelling “enhance an individual's mental and physical wellbeing” through “exposure to new places and environments, increased levels of physical activity and socialising, and the development of positive emotions”, ECU said.
According to ECU, going to a new place triggers a response that increases the body's metabolic rate, which may also trigger a response from the adaptive immune system.
Travel and tourism are beneficial for both physical and mental health, the study's lead researcher found. (iStock)
This immune response “improves the body's ability to detect and defend itself against external threats,” Hu said.
“Simply put, your body's defense systems become more resilient,” she says. “Hormones that promote tissue repair and regeneration are released, potentially helping your body's self-healing systems function better.”
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This is true for both leisurely trips and more strenuous activities like hiking, Hu found.
“Leisurely travel activities may reduce chronic stress, reduce overactivation of the immune system, and promote the normal functioning of the self-defense system,” she said.
Research shows that both relaxed travel and vigorous exercise have positive effects on the body. (iStock)
Conversely, getting more physical activity while traveling, such as hiking, cycling, or walking, can also have a positive effect on your body.
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“Participating in such activities may strengthen the body's immune function and self-defense capabilities, making it more resistant to external risks,” Hu wrote.
“Exercise improves blood circulation, enhances the transport of nutrients, aids in the elimination of waste products, and overall keeps the body's self-healing systems active. Moderate exercise not only supports the body's anti-wear systems, but is also beneficial for bones, muscles, and joints.”
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Fox News Digital has reached out to Hu and Edith Cowan University for additional comment.
