The study took place at Edith Cowan University in Australia, where researchers aimed to explore how travelling may counteract the physical and mental effects of ageing. By applying the concept of entropy, they investigated whether positive travel experiences could potentially have significant health benefits that can slow down the process of ageing.
'Positive travelling experiences might alleviate an increase in entropy...'
Entropy is defined as “the trend of the universe towards death and disorder”. In the context of the study, the experts explained that tourism could potentially trigger changes in entropy - where positive travelling experiences might alleviate an increase in entropy and enhance health, and negative travelling experiences displaying the opposite.
The study, published in the Journal of Travel Research in August, proposes that travelling, particularly to nature-rich environments like beaches or forests, can keep us young. Such settings naturally promote physical activities like hiking, walking, and climbing, which improve blood circulation to help maintain a self-healing system in the body. These types of exercises help to strengthen bones, muscles, and joints, supporting overall physical health and mobility. Engaging in these activities can also enhance immune function, self-defence capabilities, and stimulate metabolism – contributing to a more youthful body overall.
Travelling also offers cognitive benefits. Exploring new cultures and languages, through talking to locals or other tourists, provides mental stimulation, leading to advancements in cognitive function.
Whilst a specific diet wasn’t mentioned in this particular research, they confirm that eating healthily is common when travelling, and is crucial to prevent ageing. Other studies have consistently highlighted and praised the Mediterranean diet for its benefits regarding longevity. These dietary choices include foods consisting of high levels of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and utilising fish, other seafoods, and olive oil as a healthy source of fat.
However, the study also reminds us that travel can also have adverse effects. Travelling, though often amazing, inevitably comes with risks. Negative travel experiences, like those involving high stress or exposure to illness, can increase entropy, or even hasten the signs ageing. So, it's good to be mindful of these factors when adventuring the world.
