If you've ever wondered why your peers in the tourism and hospitality
sectors look so youthful despite their busy schedules and long working
hours, a new study from Australia might offer an explanation.
Researchers at Edith Cowan University (ECU) have found that travel
itself could potentially slow down ageing. The study, published in the
Journal of Travel Research, is the first to apply the concept of entropy
- the natural tendency towards decline - to tourism.
ECU PhD candidate Fangli Hu explained, "While ageing can't be
stopped, it can be slowed down." The research suggests that positive
travel experiences might help combat the ageing process, while negative
ones could speed it up.
How does this work? According to Hu, travel exposes people to new
environments, encourages physical activity, and promotes social
interaction. These factors can boost both physical and mental health.
The study proposes that travel could act as a form of health therapy.
New surroundings can stimulate the body's stress responses and
metabolism, potentially improving its ability to organise itself and
fight off illness.
However, the researchers also note that travel comes with risks, such as exposure to diseases or accidents.
This fresh perspective on travel's health benefits could be valuable
information for travel agents and their clients, suggesting that regular
holidays might do more than just provide relaxation - they could help
keep you young.