Are you one of those people who love to travel and discover new places? Know that this habit can be very good for your health, at least that’s what a recent study on the subject points out. According to research, the more varied the destinations, the better it will be for your body.
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The research was conducted by scientists from University College London (UCL), which is located in the United Kingdom. The data can be consulted in the specialized scientific journal Transport & Health.
It’s worth pointing out that the conclusion about the good that travel does isn’t exactly something new. Several studies have previously shown how positive travel can be for a person’s mental health, for example.
After all, traveling helps reduce the levels of fatigueincreases the feeling of well-being and satisfaction, as well as adding culture and knowledge to people.
Even walking short distances can be beneficial.
One of the differences in the current study is the conclusion that walking small distances may be enough to improve health considerably. This is because researchers have realized that moving more than 24 km from where you live to different places can improve your quality of life.
People who did so reported above-average satisfaction and well-being, especially compared to people who didn’t travel. The main reason, as scientists suspect, lies in contact with many people and with different places.
A large difference in quality of life was noted in volunteers aged 55 and older who were in the habit of traveling constantly, even for short distances.
“Over 55s are more likely to face other restrictions a to travel, such as limited mobility. They are also more likely to suffer from loneliness. The variety of places they can visit is low, leading to lower social participation and lower levels of overall health.”
“The findings of this study underscore the need for public policies that ease travel restrictions in the region by offering better public and private transportation options that enable more frequent and longer trips,” he concluded.
