There are so many great reasons to travel, from trying local cuisines to meeting new people. But there’s another benefit that you may not have considered – travel can actually be good for your health! Retirement is the best time to incorporate more travel into our life because as we age, we may become more concerned with keeping our bodies and minds healthy. Travelling after retirement can have positive effects on three key areas: physical, mental, and emotional health. Keep reading to find out more.
Physical Health
Travel is a great way to incorporate more physical activity into your life. Regular exercise is an important habit at every age, but especially during retirement years. Physical activity lowers blood pressure, improves sleep, and keeps your heart healthy. It also helps to prevent and reduce symptoms of arthritis, osteoporosis, and diabetes.
The physical effects of taking a vacation have been studied by many health professionals. One study by the University of Massachusetts found that middle-aged men who take annual vacations are 32% less likely to die from heart disease. Another study shows similar results for women, with those taking two vacations a year to be eight times less likely to experience a serious heart condition than those who travel less frequently.
Physical activity is also important in reducing stress, one of the leading causes of health problems. Managing stress becomes increasingly important as you age, and the enjoyment and relaxation that comes from regular travel can help to keep that stress in check.
However, while you can spend your vacation time relaxing, we recommend adding some physical exercise to increase these health benefits even more. A group tour is a great way to incorporate some activity while you travel, whether it’s a walking tour, a round of golf, or a swim in the ocean. On our British Isles Cruise, you can even take a bike ride through the city of Amsterdam!
We believe that travel should be safe and worry-free for everyone, which is why we handle all the planning for you. With that said, if you’re concerned that you may have health restrictions that could affect your ability to travel, speak to one of our experienced Journey Consultants. We can help you understand the physical requirements of our tour packages and also help with arranging travel insurance.
Mental Health
Cognitive health can also become an increasing concern after retirement. There’s still so much that life has to offer, so you want to keep your memory retention and cognitive function sharp. Travel can help you do that!
Mental stimulation helps with neuroplasticity, which refers to the connections between neural pathways in your brain. You might think that once you reach retirement age your brain has stopped developing, but recent research has shown that we can actually strengthen our brain’s neuroplasticity at any age. In fact, low levels of cognitive activity is one of the risk factors of Alzheimer’s and dementia, so the more you use your brain, the healthier it will be.
Travel is just one way that you can improve mental alertness. When we don’t change our environment, our brains can go on “auto-pilot” meaning they don’t work as hard to process things. A new experience forces us to fire up our brains to do activities such as planning and problem-solving. Finding yourself in a new city or country immediately causes you to take in new sights, sounds, and other information that your brain has to work to process.
Learning a new language is one of the best ways to keep your mind sharp, and you’ll get plenty of chances to do this on an international trip. Try having short conversations with the locals at your destination, and learn a few key phrases before you leave for your trip. Other mentally stimulating activities on a travel tour might include visiting a museum (like the Swiss Chocolate Museum), listening to live music, or taking a cooking class. Learning a new skill while on vacation could even spark a new hobby that continues once you’ve returned home, creating further opportunities for you to challenge your mind.
Emotional Health
Retirement is a time of transition. You may be experiencing an empty nest at home or facing increased health concerns, and this can take a toll on your emotional health. Loneliness and depression can be a concern for many seniors, as it’s reported that up to 1/4 of adults aged 65 and older are thought to be socially isolated. That’s why it’s important to take extra steps to maintain your emotional health and overall happiness.
Social activities are a great way to boost happiness, as you get to surround yourself with likeminded people and feel a sense of belonging. A group travel tour geared towards retired people will connect you with others at a similar stage of life. Sharing life-changing experiences when you travel can encourage conversation, camaraderie, and connection, which translates to increased happiness.
In addition to meeting new people, travel is a great way to build your own sense of confidence. This could mean signing up for a thrill-seeking adventure like a Game Drive Safari, or feeling a sense of pride when you master a conversation in a new language. Happiness and self-esteem are connected, so as you feel more confident you’ll also feel happier.
Finally, travel allows you to reconnect with yourself. It’s time that allows you to take care of your well-being in whatever way works best for you. You can calm your mind while overlooking the sunset on the Nile, or wandering through Japanese gardens. By getting in touch with yourself, you’ll feel more relaxed and less stressed, and as we already mentioned reducing stress is always a good thing!
If you’re ready to explore the world while boosting your well-being, our team is here to help you plan the perfect journey. Reach out to us at 1-800-265-8174 or email us at info@jerryvandyke.com. Let’s create unforgettable experiences together, and embrace a healthy, fulfilling retirement through travel!
