Top Travel Destinations That Are Older-Adult-Friendly

Top Travel-Destinations-That-Are-Older-Adult-Friendly

When it comes to healthy aging, quite honestly, there’s a lot to do. You’re supposed to make sure to keep your body active and your brain engaged all while maintaining your social connections as well. Sure, the benefits to your overall well-being are worth the effort, but retirement is supposed to be a time with less responsibility on your plate, right? Well, it turns out that in senior living you can have your cake and eat it too, so to speak. Here’s how programs like our Vivid Life make keeping active, engaged, and connected easy and fun! 

Benefits of Healthy Aging 

Good things happen when you focus on healthy aging. In addition to feeling better overall, which in and of itself is a win, other benefits of keeping active, engaged, and connected include:  

  • Improved ability to do everyday things ​ 
  • Reduced impact of illness and chronic disease​ 
  • Enhanced mobility, flexibility, and balance
  • Improved sleep
  • Increased energy level
  • Reduced feelings of depression and stress
  • Increased feelings of happiness and self-confidence
  • Reduced risk of cognitive decline 
  • Increased mental adaptability and cognitive reserve 
  • Improved memory recall and problem-solving skills 
  • Improved concentration and attention to detail  

How Senior Living Can Help 

At home, particularly when living alone, it can be hard to stay as active, engaged, and connected as you’d like. From lack of opportunity to lack of motivation to lack of transportation to mobility challenges, and more, it’s tough, we get it! That’s why we created the Vivid Life program in our senior living communities. It’s composed of three parts: Vibrant Body, Vibrant Brain, and Vibrant Connections. Here’s what each entails:  

Vibrant Body We offer amenities such as a state-of-the-art fitness center, a pool, walking trails, gardening opportunities, and even a dog park to help you stay active. A sample of activities includes:  

  • Walking club – Daily walks at different outdoor locations using pedometers to measure steps. 
  • Yoga – At least once per week for gentle yoga, and once per week for mindful breathing. 
  • Fitness classes – At least two times per week using a variety of hand weights, resistance bands, and circuit-type exercises. 
  • Tai Chi – At least once per week with a live instructor. 
  • Non-traditional exercise – Dancing, gardening, etc. at least two times per week. 
  • Physical games and sports – Golf, putting, bowling, croquet, bocce, and ping pong available daily with organized events one to two times per week. 

Vibrant Brain We offer monthly calendars filled with classes, events, creative arts, and enrichment opportunities to help keep you engaged. A sample of activities includes: 

  • Visiting lecture series – Twice per month with topics such as cultural, historical, local interest, career-oriented, etc. 
  • Creative art series – At least one per week with a theme that runs 3-6 weeks, such as poetry writing, storytelling, painting, digital photography, etc. 
  • Learning series – At least three times per month with an emphasis on learning something new such as foreign language, sign language, technology, hobbies, etc. 
  • Games – At least one time per week and may include poker, bridge, Scrabble, etc. 
  • Mindfulness – A meditation class once per week and gratitude discussion group twice monthly. 
  • Church service – At least once a week through visits by local churches. 
  • Stress reduction – At least once per month class that offers deep breathing exercises, nature walks, music appreciation, spa-type treatments, etc. 

 Vibrant Connections We offer resident-led clubs, social events, outings and volunteer opportunities for any interest to help you stay connected. A sample of activities includes: 

  • Outings – At least twice per month and may include going to concerts, art shows, museum visits, theatre productions, etc. 
  • Intergenerational programming – At least once per month and focuses on building relationships between young adults/children and residents. 
  • New resident welcome party – At least once per month to formally introduce all new residents, and includes ice breakers, social games, etc. to encourage connection. 
  • Philanthropic program – At least once per month provide residents the opportunity to give back to the community, such as volunteering for a local food bank or pet shelter. 
  • Resident-led clubs – May include game clubs, professional clubs, common interests, etc. that meet at least monthly.  

What’s more, it’s all right outside your door (or transportation is provided offsite) and all in a supportive environment with home maintenance, housekeeping, and restaurant-style dining freeing your time to make it even easier to stay active, engaged, and connected. 

Learn more about Vitality Living’s Vivid Life programs. Or find a Vitality Living community near you today to schedule a tour. 

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Senior living can be whatever you want—from a quiet chance to reflect or give back to your community to a challenging adventure full of globetrotting. Most older adults, regardless of health or other retirement goals, say they want to travel in retirement. In 2015, AARP found that Baby Boomers planned to take four to five trips the following year.

Traveling opens up new worlds. It can spark new passions, new hobbies, maybe even new love. And it’s more than just a luxury. Research from the National Institutes of Health found that men who take frequent annual vacations are 32 percent less likely to die from heart disease. Travel can reduce stress and depression and can enhance creativity. Travel can help older adults feel less isolated, improving their physical and mental health. Travel also gives older adults an easy way to remain physically active. No one is too old for exercise, which can reduce the risk of mental illness, help you live longer, and help you recover more quickly from injuries.

So where should you go on your next grand adventure? Consider the following destinations that are ideal for older adults.

Top-Travel-Destinations
Top Travel Destinations

Cruising Alaska

Alaska is a wild paradise filled with glaciers, waterfalls, caves, whales, and ocean views as far as the eye can see. A cruise is a great, exciting way for older adults to see the world. Alaskan cruises feature picturesque scenery for older adults who like to sit back and relax. Try getting a massage on the cruise ship or going for a dip in the pool. For those with a more adventurous spirit, cruising Alaska may present fishing, hiking, and even camping opportunities.

Top Travel Destinations
Top Travel Destinations

River Cruises

For older adults who love the idea of relaxing water views, but who are uncomfortable floating on an endless ocean, river cruises are a great alternative. Cruises of the Rhine and Danube rivers in Central Europe rank among the most popular cruises for older adults. Sample local fare on board the cruise or enjoy walkable cities and lush vineyards when the cruise ship docks for the day.

If a European cruise is too adventurous—or too expensive-—try a day trip on a river closer to home. Waterfront cities like Savannah, Georgia, offer historic sites and beautiful scenery. Visitors can tour the city on luxurious watercrafts and then return to a cozy hotel at night.

Top Travel Destinations
Top Travel Destinations

Florida Beach Trips

Florida is among the most popular retirement destinations for older adults. That means that many Florida cities are already well-adapted to the needs of local older adults, making them safe and comfortable places to visit. The state offers a comprehensive guide for older adults who want to visit or move to Florida. Not sure where to visit? Try staying in Orlando for a quick Disney World getaway with your grandchildren. Or consider a trip to the culturally rich southeast region of Miami and Pompano Beach.

Top Travel Destinations
Top Travel Destinations

California Getaways

California has much to offer older adults, from the luscious mountain views of Monterey to the active bar scene and busy beaches of Los Angeles. If you’re a movie buff, you need to make at least one trip to Hollywood. Older adults who want to get in lots of healthy exercise by walking should consider a trip to Oakland. As one of the nation’s most walkable cities, Oakland is an outstanding destination for older adults who want to shop, eat, and enjoy waterfront views.

Top Travel Destinations
Top Travel Destinations

Las Vegas

If you crave entertainment, consider Las Vegas. With dozens of themed luxury hotels, you can access food, gambling, and world-class entertainment without ever leaving the building. A number of organizations also offer senior bus tours of Vegas, so if you want to go with a large group, consider contacting an organization such as Las Vegas Senior Tripsters.

Top Travel Destinations
Top Travel Destinations

Branson, Missouri

Missouri might seem like an odd destination for a getaway, but Branson is a lesser-known treasure. It’s home to more than 50 theaters with a distinctive country-and-western theme. Take in shows from a range of country, folk, and other traditional artists or spend the day shopping. Check out Ozark specialties such as woodworking at Branson Landing or enjoy a game of golf at one of Branson’s many golf courses.

Top Travel Destinations
Top Travel Destinations

Paris

Every travel buff needs to see Paris, France, at least once. Food lovers can gorge themselves on bread, cheese, and coffee in one of Paris’s legendary cafes. Stop into a used bookstore or stroll in front of the Eiffel Tower with your forever love. Paris can be a luxury destination for those who want to stay in a resort or historic hotel. Or it can be a budget stop for older adults who want to stay in a hostel or a small apartment.

Don’t speak French? Don’t worry. Most locals speak English, and it’s a myth that they’ll refuse to have English-language conversations. Prices tend to fluctuate depending on the time of year, so plan ahead and check air and hotel fares frequently to score the best deal.

Take off to one of the destinations on this list and see for yourself how travel can increase your energy and lust for life

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