What do eating healthy, daily exercise, and taking a cruise have in common? According to a new study, they will help you live a longer, healthier life. If you were looking for or needing an excuse to take a cruise, you now have the perfect reason to book your next trip.
The study conducted by the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies, the Global Commission on Aging, and the U.S. Travel Association found that travel actually helps prevents Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia, especially for retirees.
Women who took a vacation at least twice a year had a significantly lower risk of having a heart attack or coronary death compared to those who took vacations far less frequently.
The study also showed that men who regularly go over 12 months without taking a vacation were at a 20% greater risk of death and had a 30% increase in dying from heart disease.
There are also some great benefits to traveling. 89% of respondents saw moderate to significant drops in stress within the first 24-48 hours of being on vacation. The study also noted that vacations with friends and family were the most impactful. Researchers made sure to factor in pre-existing health issues and income levels as they play a vital part in how frequent a person can take a vacation.
Vacations are a great way to relieve stress and there is nothing more relaxing that sitting out on a cruise ship balcony as you sail to the Caribbean, Alaska, or the Mediterranean. Cruises also give travelers the best “bang for the buck” when compared to land based options.
Cruises range from short overnight trips to the 120+ day world cruises. The most common are 3-7 night voyages to the Bahamas and the Caribbean and many times in the off season can be found for as little as $50 a night, per person.
When you are looking at how you can live a healthier life, don’t overlook the value of taking a vacation. Life is short, don’t make it shorter by not taking a cruise.