Not just entertainment: scientists have named an unexpected benefit of foreign travel

Traveling abroad slows down aging, scientists say / photo ua.depositphotos.comForeign travel is gaining popularity every year. In addition to simple rest and getting to know a new mandra, it also has a positive effect on health, writes the Australian Associated Press.

Scientists from Edith Cowan University in Perth (Western Australia) found out that foreign trips help people look younger. “Aging as a process is irreversible. Although it cannot be stopped, it can be slowed down,” researcher Fangli Hu told the publication.

Acquaintance with new cultures, languages, and surroundings can stimulate the response to stress, strengthen the immune system, and increase metabolic rate, researchers say.

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

According to the researcher, tourist trips are actually part of a healthy lifestyle, because they can potentially contribute to physical and mental health, slowing down the aging of the body. When away from the usual routine, people are more likely to be active, adventurous and interactive.

“Traveling allows you to immerse yourself in new environments – especially therapeutic landscapes such as forests and beaches – and these can help reduce stress and improve people’s mental well-being. Traveling can promote physical activity such as walking, hiking, cycling – many activities that can improve cardiovascular health, metabolism, muscle tone and many other aspects of body function,” said Ms Hu.

At the same time, the psychological aspect of traveling is also important. When traveling, people interact more actively with interesting strangers – other tourists, local residents or even animals. And this can improve mood, reduce feelings of loneliness and improve cognitive functions, says the researcher.

Of course, not everything about travel is fun or relaxing. A lost passport, a stolen phone or a late flight will not benefit your health, Hu admits.

Other interesting news on the topic of tourismAs UNIAN wrote, Lonely Planet named the best places in Europe where you can go in winter. European tourist destinations can offer travelers a vacation for any taste – from cultural urban to extreme in nature.

We also told that the picturesque and incredibly remote island could become a tourist hit next year. When Barcelona and Venice do not know how to cope with the crowds of tourists, more and more people are looking in the direction of still empty tourist destinations.

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