Active Aging is Healthy Aging

SENIORS, PUT ON YOUR TRAVEL SHOES

Never before has the world been so receptive to seniors on the move. Special facilities and accommodation are available while traveling and special attention is offered at most resorts and hotels. Attractive discounts can be negotiated for senior travel groups. But above all, current research is talking about significant health benefits for seniors who travel, improving physical health and promoting mental well-being. Check it out yourself. If all is good, your doctor will always tell you, yes, GO! Come back glowing.

It does not matter how near or how far you travel, to Niagara Falls or to Hawaii. Whatever you can achieve is sure to be beneficial. Travel will invariably open the doors of your mind, bringing in wonderful fresh air, leading to inspiring experiences and maybe even making some new friends.

Some of you might be hesitant at even the thought of taking a vacation. Family responsibilities, budget limitations and the like. But THINK POSITIVE. There will always be a viable solution.

Step 1: How Much Can You Do?

Assess your physical capabilities in a realistic way. Understand you may not be able to climb the mountain, but you can see the peak at sunrise, the deer at the foothills, the birds and the forest…While there’ll always be something you can’t do, there’ll be much happiness in what you can.

Also consider how far, or near, your budget will stretch. A short trip can yield as great returns as a trip to the Andes. Don’t procrastinate.

Step 2: With Whom?

Spouse, family, friend, or group? We recommend traveling with like-minded people for the best experience, and not necessarily from the same ethnic background. It’s surprising how South Asians are so bonded together, and able to share their similar yet unique lives! Many individuals have found new friends through our Chai and Chat program. During travel, people are quick to open up and share their stories, making you realize that the world is one and that fundamentally, people are all the same.

Group travel is invariably a good option, richer in experience, and safer, since you are in numbers. But you have to do what suits you.

Step 3: Where and How

Did you know there are special tours for seniors to see Norway’s Northern Lights? Several tours are possible within the United States for seniors with limited mobility. Seniors are welcome, all across the globe! Today’s possibilities are endless: road trip, train travel, air travel, and cruises. You can fix your mind on a particular destination and then check out how it can be facilitated. The advantage in group travel is a culturally appropriate group leader. And culturally appropriate cuisine.

Step 4: Start the Conversation

Start the discussion with friends and family. Discuss individual and common goals. You’ll be surprised how many have travel aspirations, never voiced before! Once you begin the conversation, things will fall in place. Through individual or collaborative support, you will find a safe route to explore and give yourself a new surge of energy.

Step 5: GET CONNECTED!

No doubt there will be several steps before you find the optimum solution. Planning and research is often the fun part of traveling. Reach out to others through common interest groups and forums and you’ll find people brimming with travel ideas, tips and guidance. Our online Chai and Chat sessions, held every two weeks, may well be a springboard for your travel initiative, so do remember to connect with us there.

Our mission is to show South Asians the way to becoming independent and self-reliant and travel can be a wonderful game changer, particularly for seniors. Get ready for your next adventure!

What country is on your bucket list?