ONE OF THOSE REALLY INTERESTING COINCIDENCES…..

I had planned this vacation for a long time, and now I was having breakfast at my hotel in Tokyo, Japan, planning what sites I would be visiting. Suddenly, my eye caught an internet article in the Washington Post that held my chopsticks mid-air:

“Travel Can Slow the Aging Process”

The lead author, Fangli Hu, reviewed several aspects of travel and their effects on the body and specifically listed mental stimulation, healthful eating, social engagement, and physical activity. As I read these, I must admit I was doing each of these on this trip for their own pleasure rather than for the extra anti-aging benefit about which I had been utterly clueless.

For example, “mental stimulation”: As long as I was going to Japan, I really should know something about the place before I left. My print Encyclopedia Britannica (yes, I kept mine) was a great resource, as were art books and classic Japanese movies. Once I arrived in Japan, traveling solo was easy as cabs are everywhere, and I went through my checklist (museums, sumo wrestling, kabuki theater) without a hitch.

Japanese food is great, and one of the first things I noticed was that virtually no one was overweight. As the most populous city on the globe (Tokyo is twice the size of New York), there are plenty of areas for scenic walking. Then, pause for afternoon green tea, sharing experiences with other tourists (who are also feeling younger, like yourself).

Here is Dr. Hu explaining “tourism therapy” and its effect on the human body:

“Tourism typically exposes people to new surroundings and relaxing activities, and novel settings can stimulate stress responses and elevate metabolic rates, positively influencing metabolic activities and the body’s self-organizing capabilities. These contexts may also trigger an adaptive immune system response.

“This reaction improves the body’s ability to perceive and defend itself against external threats.”

“Put simply, the self-defense system becomes more resilient. Hormones conducive to tissue repair and regeneration may be released and promote the self-healing system’s functioning.”

“Leisurely travel activities might help alleviate chronic stress, dampen overactivation of the immune system, and encourage normal functioning of the self-defense system. Engaging in recreation potentially releases tension and fatigue in the muscles and joints. This relief helps maintain the body’s metabolic balance and increases the anti-wear-and-tear system’s effectiveness.”

On the flip side, the research has pointed out that tourists could face challenges such as infectious diseases, accidents, injuries, violence, water and food safety issues, and concerns related to inappropriate tourism engagement. 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.

And finally, you certainly needn’t go to Japan for the benefits of “tourism therapy”. Try a weekend at Starved Rock State Park, Door County, or the Dells. But watch for ticks.

Be well,

David Edelberg, MD