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Life

11th Oct 2024

Travelling can reportedly keep you young, science says

Kat O'Connor

Turns out travelling is good for you

We always feel better after travelling whether it’s down to West Cork for a weekend or spending weeks exploring the Philippines.

We’re forever daydreaming of travelling more and it turns out it’s actually good for your health.

Not only can it boost your mood, but researchers believe it may have the power to slow down the ageing process.

In a study published in the Journal of Travel Research, the team at Edith Cowan University said travelling may prevent premature ageing.

But how is this possible?

Well, travelling aligns with healthy elements like making social connections, sleeping better and having new experiences.

The team explained: “It aligns with what we identify as the pillars of brain health: sleep, nutrition, stress management, exercise, socialisation, and cognitive stimulation.

“Travel naturally incorporates many of these elements—especially through physical activity, cognitive engagement from novel experiences, and the social interactions that come with exploring new cultures.

“These factors are vital for maintaining cognitive and mental health, plus fostering a sense of happiness and purpose,” the team shared.

Travelling encourages us to try different foods, to socialise more and we’re often more active when exploring too.

“As tourism scholars, we are eager to see how travel could make a real difference in people’s lives, especially when it comes to health and aging,” Fangli Hu, lead study author shared.

If anyone needs us we’ll be booking another holiday.

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