How Traveling Helps Seniors Stay Active and Engaged

A large part of aging well is taking in new life experiences. One of the top ways to do this is through traveling. It’s a great way to experience new things and cultures, and it also has plenty of benefits, such as improving mental and physical wellness.

Whether it’s a day trip or a larger adventure, you can reap the benefits of packing up and heading out. Below, we’re exploring travel benefits for seniors and how you can become even more engaged in your adventures through a lock-and-leave environment, which is a community that allows on-the-go people the flexibility to leave their homes without worrying about security or maintenance while they’re away.

Travel Benefits for Seniors

Retirement is the ideal time to visit those places you’ve been dreaming about — especially if you haven’t traveled a lot so far in your life. And there are several benefits of using this time to explore.

Improved Mental Well-Being

These years can be some of the best, most joyful years of your life, and it’s natural to want to maximize your number of healthy years, also known as your healthspan. It’s essential to prioritize well-being strategies focused on managing stress and improving mental health to elongate your healthspan and enjoy your life. 

Traveling enables you to set aside dedicated time to unwind and take a break from your daily routine and worries, which can improve your mental health. The thrill of exploring and experiencing new things can help boost your mood and improve your overall life outlook, leading to a renewed sense of purpose.

In addition to boosting mood, traveling helps keep the mind stimulated. Think about it: You’re constantly taking in new experiences, learning about new cultures and languages, and using problem-solving skills to navigate a new area. This helps keep your mind sharp and fosters a deeper connection with the world. 

All of your travel experiences can also give your confidence a large boost. Navigating an unfamiliar environment is empowering and helps you to discover your resourcefulness and self-reliance.

Physical Benefits

When you think of traveling, you may not immediately think of how it keeps you physically active. But travel naturally gets you moving — whether you’re going on scenic hikes, browsing local markets or even taking strolls along streets lined with shops. 

There are many benefits of physical activity, such as lowering your risk of chronic conditions and improving cardiovascular health. Your travel itinerary doesn’t have to be complicated or strenuous for you to reap the benefits of physical activity. Even a low-impact day can positively impact your health and help you maximize your healthspan.

Traveling generally helps people lead healthier lifestyles that can continue after they’ve packed their bags to head back home. The experience of sightseeing, swimming and walking can inspire travelers to keep these habits going when they’re home.

Nutritional Benefits

Exploring new places also means discovering new cuisines and ingredients, which can positively impact health. Additionally, trying fresh and locally sourced ingredients enables you to enjoy a diverse and nutritious diet while on vacation. Many destinations emphasize seasonal fruits and vegetables and lean proteins, all of which contribute to a well-balanced diet.

Traveling also encourages mindful eating. When you sit down to enjoy a local dish, you’re more likely to savor the flavors and experience, leading to you being more present in the moment. This can lead to healthier eating habits that you continue when you get home. Plus, travel keeps you more active, so you’ll be more likely to drink water to stay refreshed, which increases your hydration levels. 

By embracing the culinary experience that comes with traveling, you can nourish your body while creating lasting memories, contributing to an overall healthier and more fulfilling life.

Understanding of Other Cultures

One of the most rewarding aspects of traveling for seniors is the opportunity to experience other cultures firsthand. This can expose you to diverse traditions, customs and ways of life, helping you to better understand the world around you.

Whether it’s meeting new people while traveling or engaging in conversation with fellow travelers, there are many opportunities to have interactions that offer a fresh perspective, leading to personal growth. The more you immerse yourself in other cultures, the more open-minded you can become, leading to a shift in your perspective and an appreciation for the world around you. 

Experiencing other destinations and cultures may also inspire you to reevaluate your own mindset, leading to a renewed sense of gratitude and appreciation for the little things in your life.

Deeper Connections with Others

Whether you travel with friends, family, or new neighbors, a strong bond can form between people when they travel. 

Even day trips offer chances to build connections with others. For example, residents of HumanGood Life Plan Communities (also known as continuing care retirement communities or CCRCs) have taken day trips to museums, theaters, botanical gardens and beaches. These trips are one of the many ways that residents can make new friends and experience new adventures.

Janet, a resident of Plymouth Village, a HumanGood Life Plan Community, participates in the community’s Village Voyagers travel group. Janet was born in Hawaii, and traveling around the world is a priority for her. She has traveled to all seven continents, 117 countries and all 50 states. Janet has even sailed across all five oceans. 

She says, “I was thrilled to find other people at Plymouth Village who had the same passion for travel as I do. Some of the residents grew up in Hawaii too or have a love for the islands, so they started a Hawaiian group, where we meet and talk about all the things that make my childhood home so special. This has been so much fun and comforting for me.”

Looking for the Perfect Lock-and-Leave Environment?

A lock-and-leave environment offers greater flexibility and freedom to travel without you needing to worry about who will watch your house while you’re away. A lock-and-leave lifestyle enables you to enjoy the convenience of locking up your residence and exploring new areas, enabling you to travel more while providing security and peace of mind that your property is safe while you’re away. 

Lock-and-leave communities, such as Life Plan Communities, allow you to put your lifestyle first and follow your passions. Whether it’s a day trip or an extended vacation, you can be spontaneous if you want to — instead of thinking about housekeeping and home maintenance while you’re away.

Life Plan Communities offer the perfect lock-and-leave environment. You’ll find an all-inclusive, low-maintenance lifestyle that allows you to stop worrying about surprise house bills and instead shift your focus toward your travels and other hobbies.

Want to learn more about how life plan living can support your active lifestyle? Check out The Complete Guide to Life Plan Communities to learn more.