When I go camping, I see many older people that are still active. We’re hiking the trails, paddling rivers, and generally getting outside. I’ve realized that RVing helps people stay active and feeling young.
Research has shown there are several methods to extend your life and keep your brain and body in the best condition. RVing provides the opportunity to experience these ways every day.
Hiking the Flatiron Trail in Arizona.
Exercise Regularly
There is nothing like hiking, biking, swimming, or kayaking for tremendous exercise. Visiting new parks pushes us to get out there and enjoy the scenery and explore. It doesn’t make sense to travel the country if you don’t get out and see it. Most state and national parks have miles of trails along with all levels of difficulty and many RV parks are located near walking trails.
The scenery motivates us to go farther. I know the time my husband and I hiked the Flatiron Trail in Superstition Mountains pushed our limits but was well worth it with the view at the end. However, even the easiest trails help us keep active.
Keep Learning
Scientists say that learning new things like a new language or a musical instrument reduces the chance of dementia. Traveling is all about constant learning.
This may be at a museum, a ranger program, or learning the name of wildflowers or cactus. It may be studying the geology of an area or the ecology of a wetland. Traveling the country allows us to visit historical sites and experience demonstrations like blacksmithing or cooking monkey bread.
Even just learning the names and locations of towns, rivers, and lakes have been interesting. We are amused how many times we could answer a question on “Jeopardy” based on things we’ve learned during our travels.
Paddling the Mississippi River in Charles A. Lindbergh State Park in Minnesota.
Try New Things
Traveling in an RV allows you to try new things and meet new people. This might include kayaking or mountain biking. Or it might be just figuring out the controls of the shower at the new campground. All these things keep our minds nimble and our lives exciting.
Some things that I’ve tried that I would never had done if I stayed home include paddling the Mississippi, throwing a spear with an atlatl, archery, identifying and eating wild plants, exploring a cave with just flashlights and no tour guide, rock climbing, and eating bugs! Life is always an adventure on the road.
The beach at Fort Clinch State Park in Florida.
Manage Stress
When you listen to meditation tapes, the calming sounds used are normally waves on the beach, birds in the morning, or a waterfall. It’s even better to actually be sleeping near a waterfall or to hear birds outside your window.
To me, there is nothing better to relieve stress than a walk through the woods or enjoying a great view. Or, just sitting outside watching squirrels play in the trees or reading a good book is relaxing. Getting away from it all is at the heart of RVing.
Do you stay young by RVing? Do you think it has kept you healthier?
