Sunday, March 23, 2025 In a move that could redefine how the global tourism industry engages with older travelers, a new report jointly released by the Global Coalition on Aging (GCOA) and the Transamerica Institute has declared travel not just a recreational activity—but a critical catalyst for long and healthy living. Titled Leveraging Travel as a Catalyst for Healthy Longevity , the report positions all forms of travel—not just wellness tourism—as essential to improving cognitive health, emotional well-being, and physical longevity. The findings are expected to influence public policy, tourism planning, and health strategies across continents, particularly as the global population over the age of 50 continues to expand.
For travel advisors, tour operators, destination marketers, and wellness-focused travel brands, this could mark a profound shift in how the mature travel market is positioned and served. Travel and Health: A Scientifically Backed Connection The report’s central argument emphasizes that regular travel offers measurable health benefits. Citing evidence from recent studies, it notes that travel can reduce mortality risk by 36.
6% and lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by up to 47% . These benefits are attributed to engaging in culturally enriching activities such as museum visits, historical exploration, and live music experiences —experiences commonly woven into global travel itineraries. Despite these compelling statistics, the report suggests .
