RV parks and campgrounds—many people think of RVers and “snowbirds” as being of retirement age, but that isn’t necessarily the case. More and more couples and families are taking to the open road. Full-timers and most-timers are often working age people.
Furthermore, even though many people look forward to retirement, no one looks forward to getting old. Those who are of retirement age are typically vibrant and active individuals who intend to stay that way. Here are 11 tips for how to stay young, as well as young at heart, while you are on the road.
1. Become Physically Active
Be active. Lower your risk of disease, increase your energy, lubricate your joints, build healthier bones, increase your longevity, and boost your spirits through 30 or more minutes of exercise each day!
Plan at least one regular bout of exercise each day, but don’t stop there. Get up every 60 minutes and do something. Stay active. Whether it is merely doing a load of dishes, pruning some house plants, or engaging in some other mobile activity, being physically active reduces your chance of succumbing to cancer, diabetes, stroke, or heart disease. It also reduces stress levels and overall improves your quality of life.
2. Be in Love
Be in love with your significant other. Enjoy the release of adrenalin, hormones, and increased cardiovascular health that accompanies physical affection. Stress and anxiety melts away with romantic touches as simple as basic massage and hand holding.
Also, be in love with your life. If you prefer a single lifestyle, find something about which you are passionate. Whether it’s a charitable cause that you donate time to, a church family that you spend time with, or an artistic hobby that motivates you, find something that gets you out of bed in the morning. Embracing your passion keeps you young and energized.
3. Be Social
Stay in touch with your friends and family. This can be difficult when you move around a lot, but with email and social networks it is easier than ever before.
It’s also a good idea to make new friends. Visit the campground club house; check out local meet-ups to join others who have similar interests for social activities. By joining other people who are active, you will quickly find yourself being more active.
4. Drink Red Wine
The resveratrol found in the skin of red grapes has been shown to aid cardiovascular health and reverse aging. It reduces the risk of diabetes, brain damage caused by stroke, high cholesterol, and liver problems.
Additionally, one glass of wine a day lowers your risk of anxiety and stress.
5. Eat Super fruit
Eat super fruits to supplement your daily vitamins. There is plenty of evidence that you should avoid sugary drinks and snacks. Unfortunately, people are drawn to the sweet tastes. In fact, there have been studies that show that people can develop addictions to sugar and sweet foods, which often lead to diabetes, cancer, and mood swings.
To enjoy the sweet treats without the sugar spikes, eat whole fruits. Several options provide more nutrients than detriments and should definitely make it on your weekly grocery list. Add these to your “must haves”.
These provide antioxidants, lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer. These also increase energy and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
6. Drink Green Tea
Green tea is a great antioxidant that reduces the risk of long term diseases, such as cancer and diabetes, while also reducing common illnesses like seasonal colds and flus. At the same time, it increases energy, improves metabolism, and helps with weight loss. Drink a cup or two a day and consider using it as a coffee replacement.
7. Eat Fat….Really
Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds stabilize your mood, maintain bone strength, and prevent wrinkles. Furthermore, saturated fat also has gotten a bad rap. Coconut oil is a great source of saturated fat that prevents disease, improves the condition of your skin and hair, as well as protects your teeth.
Eggs additionally have had a reputation of being high in cholesterol and, therefore bad for you. The whites, however, are high in protein and the yolks have age-reducing properties. Avoid transfats in deep fried food, but eat other forms as a way to satisfy your hunger without eating additional sugar.
8. Reduce Stress
By eating healthily, exercising, and engaging in meditation, you can de-stress your life. Stress tends to cause inflammation that increases your physical age. Hormonal surges in adrenalin and cortisol cause rises in blood pressure. This decreases skin elasticity, cardiovascular health, and increases your white blood count. By doing things that lower your stress level, you feel and look younger. One of the most effective ways to reduce this is to meditate.
By using a relaxation response, which is in fact a repeated mantra, whether it is a word, a sound, a phrase, or a prayer, prevents age-related changes in the brain. Many people think they can not meditate. When other thoughts enter their brain, they get frustrated and give up. Instead, relax and embrace the other thoughts. Recognize them and return to your mantra.
9. Embrace Yoga
If meditation isn’t really your thing, try yoga. It’s sort of like “killing two birds with one stone” since it combines exercising with stress reduction. Consider Hatha Yoga for an easy introduction to improved flexibility, reduced stress, better breathing, and greater immunity.
10. Use Supplements
Whether you take them internally or use them as a skin emollient, using supplements is a great way to look and feel younger. Retinol, vitamin C, vitamin E, coconut oil, flax seeds, they are all great for your internal and external health. They decrease fine lines and increase radiance.
11. Keep Your Mind Sharp
Do crossword puzzles, Sudoku, or Brain Games. Any and all of these help keep your mind active, helping you work your memory, and avoid Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
Regardless of your age, keeping your mind sharp helps keep you younger.
In Conclusion
As you can see, it is easy to find the so-called “fountain of youth” while living and traveling in your RV. By fostering relationships with other people who are young or young at heart, as well as your partner, you reduce the stress and loneliness of being away from your family. Engaging in physical and mental exercises helps you to stay youthful and vibrant. Please share this with friends and family who live on the road, as well as others who choose to stay young into their twilight years.
