When we talk about healthy aging, we often focus on nutrition and exercise as the cornerstones of well-being. But did you know that leisure travel also plays a key role in supporting a vibrant, healthy life as we grow older? Recent research reveals that exploring new places—whether close to home or across the globe—can offer powerful benefits for the mind, mood, and social connections of older adults. Here are a few benefits cited in a 2024 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (1).
Loneliness Takes a Hike
Older adults who travel—locally, domestically, or internationally—report significantly lower loneliness levels than those who stay home. Travel offers opportunities to connect with others, form new friendships, and strengthen existing relationships, all of which help reduce feelings of isolation.
Mood Lifts and Minds Stay Sharp
Travelers experience fewer depressive symptoms and enjoy better cognitive function. The farther the journey, the greater the benefits: international travelers show the highest cognitive scores and the lowest rates of depression. Engaging in new environments and activities stimulates the brain, helping to keep it active and resilient.
A Dose-Response for Well-Being
There’s a clear “dose-response” effect: the more ambitious the travel (from local outings to international adventures), the stronger the positive impact on mental health and cognition. Local day trips can help, but venturing farther brings even greater rewards. This is because long-distance travel usually means being less familiar with the destination, which demands more physical, mental, and cognitive effort.
Even “Virtual Travel” Can Improve Wellbeing
For those with mobility and financial barriers, research has shown that virtual reality (VR) travel experiences can improve well-being. A six-week pilot study on virtual reality tourism for older adults in residential care found immediate benefits, including enhanced happiness, engagement, and relaxation following immersive VR sessions (2).
Learn More About Ageless Travel
Given the growing research on how travel supports healthy aging, I’m thrilled to welcome Adriane Berg—author, speaker, and founder of The Ageless Traveler—to our Wellness Wednesday series this December. Together, we’ll explore how travel can remain a meaningful part of life at any age, and talk candidly about the common obstacles—physical, financial, and emotional—that can get in the way. More importantly, we’ll share practical ways to overcome them so that the joy of exploration stays within reach, no matter your stage of life.
