Study: Travel can combat signs of aging

JOONDALUP, Australia (WKRC) – A study has found that travel can actually slow the signs of aging through a variety of small physical and mental improvements.

Researchers at Edith Cowan University in Australia found that travel and vacations have positive effects on mental and physical health and can even slow down the signs of aging.

“Aging is a process that is irreversible,” said Fangli Hu, one of the researchers behind the study. “You can't stop it, but you can slow it down.”

According to the researchers, tourism exposes people to new environments and offers them relaxing activities. New environments can trigger stress responses and boost metabolism, which impacts both mental and physical health.

“Simply put, the self-defense system becomes more resilient,” Hu said. “Hormones can be released that promote tissue repair and regeneration and support the function of the self-healing system.”

“Leisurely travel activities may help relieve chronic stress, curb overactivation of the immune system, and promote normal function of the self-defense system,” Hu continued. “Leisure activities may be able to relieve tension and fatigue in muscles and joints.”

The researchers also mention that many vacation trips involve hiking, walking or other physical activities that are inherently positive for physical health.

However, the study acknowledges that there is a risk of “infectious diseases, accidents, injuries, violence, water and food safety problems” and other unexpected problems while on vacation.

What do you think? Will you trade the retinol creams for a one-way plane ticket?