If you ask people why they travel, you’ll probably get different answers. Some want to experience another culture, some want to go on a solo trip, some want to make their children better people, and some want to meet their families.
Perhaps the reason you don’t hear about it often is that it slows down biological aging.
Whatever the reason for travel, older adults are traveling. According to a survey commissioned by IHG Hotels & Resorts and conducted by Talker Research, 59% of retirees say they plan to travel more in retirement. Some people have a “retirement month” where they celebrate the end of their working years with a trip.
According to a recent study published in the Journal of Travel Research, this health benefit is real. Data suggests that positive travel experiences can physiologically benefit physical, mental, and social health. This is not the only study of this kind. A slightly older study published in the Journal of Transport and Health reported similar results.
Experts say this makes sense. Doni Belau, CEO of Girls Guides to the World, said: “We are thrilled that recent research in Australia shows that travel can slow the aging process. I’m not surprised,” he said. “I’ve seen it firsthand in escorting women of all ages around the world.”
A woman came to mind. “She’s in her mid-80s and widowed, but she’s very intelligent and very well traveled,” Belau continued. “My 80-year-old client loves sweets and (Coca-Cola) during the holidays, but he also takes regular walks.”
How travel slows the aging process
When you think about traveling and its benefits, you might imagine sunny days, sleeping in the bright blue ocean, and reading in a hammock. That and more are part of it.
“Travel is more than just a break from everyday life; it has amazing benefits for both the mind and body,” said Brittany Ferri, an occupational therapist with the National Council on Aging.
Home Institute gerontologist Jenny Munro said travel slows the aging process by incorporating movement, learning and social connections. Munro’s parents traveled to Ireland when they were 70 and 75 years old. They walked, climbed, and hiked.
“All of these activities that my parents participated in during their stay in Ireland have the effect of boosting metabolism, improving blood circulation and lowering the risk of developing dementia,” she said.
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Stress reduction and physical activity are just two of the many ways travel can help fight aging.
Read below for more examples and explanations of how traveling can keep you young.
Traveling is good for your physical health.
Travel often involves a significant amount of physical activity, such as walking around the city or hiking in the mountains, to name a few examples. Ferri said this helps maintain flexibility and bone health. It’s also “great for cardiovascular health and muscle strength, factors that slow the aging process,” she added.
Traveling reduces stress.
Escape from everyday stressors is probably one of the most obvious reasons to travel. According to Dr. Sajjad Zarzala, MD, co-founder and medical director of AgelessRx, traveling can lower cortisol levels and reduce systemic inflammation in the body.
“Chronic stress accelerates aging, so reducing stress can slow the aging process,” Zarzala says. “Travel may slow telomere shortening by reducing stress and promoting overall health. … Telomere length is an important indicator of biological aging.”
Physical activity also has a positive effect on your brain and stress levels. Dr. Gary Small, a geriatric psychiatrist and director of psychiatry at Hackensack University Medical Center, explained that physical activity increases mood levels and increases circulation in the brain and body.
Travel improves cognitive health.
Ferri talked about how new environments keep the brain sharp. “Engaging with new cultures and environments strengthens brain health and may protect against problems such as dementia,” she says.
Explaining how it works, Small said, “Such mental stimulation improves mood and activates neural circuits in the brain, reducing age-related cognitive decline.”
On the hormonal level, as mentioned earlier, travel may modulate cortisol. It can also regulate serotonin and endorphins, so your mind and body will thank you. These “improve mood, sleep, and overall well-being, all of which support healthy aging,” Zarzala said.
These internal processes are usually invisible, but they are there. Belau has seen her clients light up firsthand. “I’ve traveled to 83 countries with thousands of women, and I’ve found that the novelty of travel, the ‘wow’ moments like seeing a giraffe for the first time on safari, activate our neurons. ” she said.
This stimulation doesn’t have to be limited to time spent apart. Before the trip, Munro’s parents read about the places they were going to and learned about Ireland’s rich history, culture and architecture.
Travel promotes social health.
According to Small, lonely people age faster than people who are more socially connected. In fact, the Aging study found that loneliness and unhappiness contribute more to aging than smoking.
“For people who live isolated lifestyles, touring new places connects them with others,” Small continued. “Escaping the daily monotony and challenges can also help you relax. Reducing stress is another way to live longer and better.”
But don’t let the purpose of your trip get in the way of your fun. In any case, you will probably get some benefit from nature. “As long as you’re interacting with people and having new experiences, you’re going to gain something cognitively,” Munro says.
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You can tailor your trip to your specific longevity needs.
Choose the trip that suits you
When considering travel destinations, you may be wondering which type of travel is most effective at slowing down aging.
First, consider your goals. Different types of travel are helpful in different ways. Do you want to make your travels more engaging mentally, physically, socially or spiritually?
Also remember to always control your thinking. “The key is to stay adventurous, whether you’re traveling far away or exploring your local area,” Ferri says. “Even short or simple trips can be beneficial. They break up the monotony of everyday life and recharge your mental and emotional batteries.”
If you want some mental stimulation…
“If your goal is to stay mentally active and learn new skills, look for an immersive vacation,” says Jeremy Marchland, president of travel insurance company Seven Corners. “Many travel companies now arrange local tours that take customers into the heart of their destination. This could be something like a cooking class in Italy or a foreign language lesson in Latin America. yeah.”
Going to another country allows you to enter a really new and challenging space, so it’s a great option if it’s right for your body, schedule, and budget. Mr Munro said: “Traveling abroad is particularly beneficial because of the added challenge of communicating in another language.”
If you want physical stimulation…
If you want to stay physically active, Marchland encouraged safaris, trips to national parks, and walking and cycling tours around Europe. Cheaper and easier options include venturing out to local mountains or cities you’ve never been to.
To slow the aging process, Ferri says travel that stimulates both the mind and body is a good idea.
If you want social stimulation…
Consider traveling that focuses on interacting with other people. It’s also a healthy goal. “As we get older, loneliness becomes a major concern,” Marchland suggested. “You might choose a multi-generational vacation with your family.”
He says cruise trips are popular because they offer a wide range of activities, and volunteer trips can help people connect with new, like-minded people.
If you want some mental stimulation…
Nature is a smart addition to any kind of trip. Zarzala said it reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, boosts immunity and is associated with an increased sense of well-being.
Belau agreed that being surrounded by green and blue environments (plants, trees, water, etc.) is an effective trip to slow the aging process. Let’s take a forest bath!
If you can’t move much…
You still have options! Zarzala said slow travel, exploring cultures slowly and mindfully, is a great option. You can immerse yourself in the culture without stress. In turn, it will promote the longevity of your body.
At Marchland, we want to focus on adjusting your goals to be more achievable.
“For example, if you want to learn Spanish immersively, some destinations in South America will be difficult for people in wheelchairs or people with mobility issues,” he said. “But if learning the language is your goal, consider Puerto Rico instead. Being a U.S. territory, it must comply with ADA regulations and you will need the accommodations you need to make the most of your trip. You can find it easily.”
Yes, traveling as an adult is possible and can be fun. “Knowing your limits and working creatively within them can help you get what you want from your trip and keep the feeling of being ‘old’ at bay,” Marchland said. Ta.
