Research from Edith Cowan University suggests that travel could be a beneficial way to combat premature aging. Entropy theory, which describes the universe’s tendency towards disorder and death, has been applied to tourism for the first time. Positive travel experiences can slow down the aging process by improving physical and mental wellness through exposure to new environments, physical activities, social interactions, and positive emotions. This perspective highlights the potential health benefits of tourism beyond leisure and recreation.
Ms. Fangli Hu, an ECU PhD candidate, believes that travel therapy could be a groundbreaking health intervention when viewed through an entropy lens. Positive travel experiences can help the body maintain a low-entropy state by modulating its major systems and stimulating stress responses, metabolic rates, and immune system responses. By enhancing the body’s self-organizing capabilities, tourism activities can improve its ability to defend itself against external threats, release hormones conducive to tissue repair and regeneration, and promote self-healing systems.
Leisurely travel activities such as hiking, climbing, walking, and cycling can help alleviate chronic stress, promote normal functioning of the self-defense system, release tension and fatigue in muscles and joints, and support the body’s metabolic balance and anti-wear-and-tear system. Physical exertion through these activities can boost metabolism, energy expenditure, material transformation, immune function, and self-defense capabilities. Moderate exercise can benefit bones, muscles, joints, blood circulation, nutrient transport, and waste elimination, maintaining an active self-healing system.
However, the study also highlights potential challenges and negative experiences that tourists may face, such as infectious diseases, accidents, injuries, violence, water and food safety issues, and inappropriate tourism engagement. These negative experiences can contribute to health problems and promote entropy increase, paralleling the process of aging. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on public health and tourism, highlighting the importance of considering potential risks and taking precautions when traveling. Overall, the research suggests that positive travel experiences can have significant health benefits, but it is essential to be aware of and address potential challenges to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
In conclusion, travel therapy can be a valuable health intervention that can help slow down the aging process by promoting physical and mental wellness through positive travel experiences. By engaging in leisurely activities and physical exertion, individuals can improve their immune function, self-defense capabilities, and self-healing systems. However, it is crucial to be aware of potential risks and challenges associated with tourism and take appropriate precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. With the right approach, travel can be a powerful tool for defying premature aging and promoting overall health and well-being.