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Forget expensive creams, travel can slow down signs of aging, shows study
Science has discovered plenty of ways to slow down aging although it’s irreversible. It’s well known that a nutritious diet, physical activities, and mindfulness can keep you younger for long.
Now, a study highlights the positive impact of a popular recreational activity on our overall health and aging process. Perhaps it’s time to start planning your next vacation.
Study claims travel slows down aging
People can’t wait to holiday and it makes total sense – even scientific study highlights the many benefits of traveling. Researchers from Edith Cowan University (ECU)� claim going on vacation is not just recreational but also defies aging.
It has been established that positive travel experiences enhance an individual’s overall health through physical cavities and social interactions, thus creating positive emotions.
Wellness tourism including yoga retreats is especially beneficial in contributing to the well-being of mind and body, which directly impact the aging process.
The physical activities people usually take up while traveling such as hiking, climbing, walking, etc. boost metabolism, energy expenditure, and more, which “help coordinate self-organizing systems”.
Furthermore, taking up physical activities in different environments improves the body’s immune function and self-defense capabilities.
“Physical exercise may also improve blood circulation, expedite nutrient transport, and aid waste elimination to collectively maintain an active self-healing system. Moderate exercise is beneficial to the bones, muscles, and joints in addition to supporting the body’s anti-wear-and-tear system,” said Fangli Hu, a PhD candidate.
ScienceDaily quotes the author as saying: “Ageing, as a process, is irreversible. While it can’t be stopped, it can be slowed down.” Recreational activities also release tension and fatigue in muscles and joints, thus increasing “the anti-wear-and-tear system’s effectiveness.”
There are some cons, too
While traveling is shown to slow down aging, it has its cons too. Travelers are more prone to health challenges such as infectious diseases, accidents, and other issues such as crime and violence.
“Conversely, tourism can involve negative experiences that potentially lead to health problems, paralleling the process of promoting entropy increase. A prominent example is the public health crisis of COVID-19,” the researcher said.
Therefore, the U.S. Department of State encourages people to be aware of local customs and norms when traveling to a new destination, to ensure not to carry prohibited items, to educate themselves about the safety of public transportation, and watching food and drink intake while on a vacation.
It’s also recommended to obtain certain vaccinations before travel if your destination has cases of contagious infections or diseases.
