One study found that people who travel a lot feel healthier than those who live closer to home.
Both frequency and distance away from home contribute to better well-being because they both contribute to increased social interaction.
The University College London (UCL) study focused on the north of England, where residents face poorer health and poorer transport links than the rest of the country.
The researchers said the study showed the need to invest in medium and long-distance transport options, such as better-served roads and the use of trains and buses, in the most underserved areas.
Doubts remain over the government’s commitment to HS2, with the second phase of the project shrouded in confusion since it began Scrapped by Boris JohnsonOnly his successor, Liz Truss, recommitted.
transport secretary mark harper failure to follow plan Make every effort to build the high-speed rail project.
The first stage, which will run 134 miles from London to Birmingham, will open from 2029 to 2033, but the second stage – linking Birmingham and Manchester via Crewe, initially continuing to Leeds – is up in the air.
HS2 Anger Interpretation
‘Older generations are being left behind’
The study, supported by Transport Northern and published in the journal Transport and Health, surveyed more than 3,000 residents and found the link between travel restrictions and health was strongest among those over the age of 55.
People in this age group are also more likely to suffer from reduced mobility and loneliness, compounding the impact of limited transportation.
Dr Paulo Anciaes, lead author of the study, explained: “In the north of England, rural and suburban areas with limited transport options are more likely to experience population loss as young people move to cities in search of work and good travel options.
“At the same time, older generations are being left in these areas with limited transport options.
“The narrow range of places they can visit leads to lower social engagement and lower overall health.”
The research also took place during a period of unprecedented strikes on the UK rail network, There will be no service in most parts of the country this week.
Unions have warned of more disruption if they do not strike a deal with the rail operator.
A winter of industrial action follows a summer with a major train operator slashing intercity train timetables and suspending ticket sales, which Labor says has left cities such as Manchester and Liverpool “Isolated” from London.