Researchers at Edith Cowan University have proposed that positive travel experiences could help slow some signs of aging. By applying the theory of entropy to tourism, they argue it supports the body's balance and resilience. The findings appear in a 2024 study published in the Journal of Travel Research.
Scientists at Edith Cowan University (ECU) analyzed tourism through the lens of entropy, the universe's tendency toward disorder. They suggest positive travel experiences may counteract this in the body, promoting physical and mental health. The 2024 interdisciplinary study frames travel as more than leisure, potentially aiding resilience and repair mechanisms. ECU PhD candidate Ms. Fangli Hu stated, 'Aging, as a process, is irreversible. While it can't be stopped, it can be slowed down.' She added, 'Tourism isn't just about leisure and recreation. It could also contribute to people's physical and mental health.'Travel introduces new environments that stimulate metabolism, boost immunity, and enhance self-defense systems, according to the researchers. Activities like walking, hiking, or cycling during trips increase physical activity, improve circulation, and support tissue repair. Ms. Hu explained, 'Participating in these activities could enhance the body's immune function and self-defense capabilities, bolstering its hardiness to external risks.' Relaxing elements may also reduce chronic stress and overactive immune responses.The study cautions that not all travel benefits health. Stressful or unsafe trips, such as exposure to diseases or accidents, could increase entropy and harm well-being. Ms. Hu noted, 'Conversely, tourism can involve negative experiences that potentially lead to health problems, paralleling the process of promoting entropy increase. A prominent example is the public health crisis of COVID-19.'Follow-up research in 2025, including a note by Hu and colleagues, describes travel therapy as emerging but emphasizes balancing benefits against risks. A systematic review highlighted tourism and healthy aging as underexplored areas needing stronger methods.
