Joy May Be Just One New Experience Away

New experiences may lift mood at every age. In a 2026 Brandeis University study of 180 adults aged 18 to 90, people reported better moods on days with more novel places and activities, and the benefit was as strong for older adults as for younger ones. A 2020 Nature Neuroscience study similarly linked more varied daily locations with more positive emotion. Registered dietitian and travel educator Rebecca Lindberg shares a story from her Camino Portugués and simple ways to add newness to everyday life.