4 Benefits of Camping for Seniors and How Can They Enjoy It

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In This Article

With nature at your doorstep and electronic gadgets absent, camping provides your seniors the chance to appreciate a simple way of life.

Senior citizens will benefit greatly from this outdoor experience, from observing animals in their natural environments to watching the sunset in camp chairs or taking in breathtaking ocean views.

The advantages of camping for seniors are many. Here is 12 Oaks’ advice for planning the perfect camping trip for your family.

 

Benefits of Camping for Senior Citizens

Stay Fit and Healthy

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Camping provides new physical activities your senior can handle, from hiking to the campsite to setting up tents, preparing meals, and building a campfire. Most campgrounds also offer access to sporting and recreational opportunities.

Whether your family enjoys canoes, treks, or strolls through the landscape, your older family members will get more exercise and reap multiple health advantages on a camping trip. A healthier heart, a quicker metabolism, and more durable joints and muscles are some of the benefits that your parents can get from camping.

 

Get Fresh Air

A simple change of environment can create a novel experience that invites higher engagement and enthusiasm. And you won’t usually have to travel far to learn something new. Try becoming familiar with the scenic locales within an hour or two from your home that could be a day trip. The most crucial factor is to create an adventure that would allow the family to have a good time that makes unforgettable memories.

Furthermore, your body produces serotonin when you breathe fresh air, making you feel more energized and rejuvenated. It also strengthens the immune system and lowers blood pressure, according to Active North Tyneside.

 

Enhance Sleep Quality

Melatonin is a natural hormone that controls and manages your sleep quality and circadian rhythms. As we age, melatonin levels gradually decrease, thus, diminishing sleep efficiency as well as degenerating numerous sleep-wake cycles.

According to a study by scientists at the University of Colorado Boulder, adults who went camping and spent time outside in the sun reported better sleep. Their melatonin levels naturally increased at night and decreased throughout the day, which made it easier for them to fall asleep.

Not only does camping give your seniors chances to be more active and help them reconnect with nature, but it can also reset the body clock and allow them to sleep better.

 

Strengthen Familial Bonds

Family members can inadvertently begin living wholly separate lives when you have a busy schedule and your parents spend the majority of the weekend at home alone. In this case, camping is a fantastic way to rekindle a sense of community through a shared weekend experience. On a family camping trip, staying in the same tent or an RV could bring everyone together and foster closer family ties.

Without the distraction of contemporary technology like smartphones, spending time with loved ones can allow your parents to interact more directly and be willing to share their stories.

 

Camping Tips for Senior Citizens

Items to Pack for Camping

A family trip will be more pleasurable if you pack enough crucial camping supplies including the special requirements of your older campers. Preparing the essential items for our elderly loved ones makes the camping trip more comfortable and enjoyable.

Making a camping checklist is helpful to ensure you will not forget anything. You should list and classify the items your parents need, then cross off what they already have and note those you need to buy. The following are some necessities to pack for the ideal camping trip:

  • Tent
  • First aid kit
  • Sleeping bags
  • Sleeping pads
  • Camping pillows
  • Camp chairs
  • Flashlights
  • Batteries
  • Kitchen essentials (stove, fuel, firestarter, utensils, etc.)
  • Medicines or medical equipment

 

How to Choose the Right Camping Tent

The most crucial advice is to bring a proper tent. The right tent is essential if you want a comfortable stay and sound sleep while camping.

The three key factors to consider when purchasing a tent for your trip include:

  • living area
  • Height
  • weatherproofing
  • how challenging it is to set up

 

Therefore, we advise investing in a sizable stand-up tent. That way, there will be enough standing space, allowing your seniors to move and walk around more easily than in a smaller tent that requires bending to enter.

Also, consider how easy setup and take-down are. If you decide to purchase a tent, try to do so in person rather than online. Doing this will allow you to ask the store employee about the difficulty level of setting it up, and frequently you will be able to see it standing for yourself.

 

Tips to Stay Warm When Camping

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When camping, staying warm is essential, especially for senior family members.

Sure, huddling around a campfire is a fun way to help. Nonetheless, plan for the evening temperature to dip low, and ensure that your parents are warm at night. In addition to a sleeping bag, camp beds or air mattresses provide additional comfort. There are also lightweight camping ‘rugs’ you can obtain for the tent floor to keep senior feet comfortable and warm.

 

Prepare Fun Activities

Without city or traffic noise, camping enables your family to experience a serene way of life. To ensure that your parents make the most of their surroundings, it is a good idea to set a loose plan for their camping days. Planning can also help determine whether the campground is appropriate for their needs and purposes.

Here are some activities you can consider to make your family’s camping trip even more special:

  • Singing and playing musical instruments such as guitar or flutes
  • Games such as truth or dare, board games, and quiz games
  • Preparing meals
  • Physical activities (fishing, boating, hiking, kite flying, cycling, etc.)
  • Arts and crafts

 

12 Oaks Community

At the 12 Oaks communities, we craft all social spaces and activities to nurture, entertain, comfort, and create a convenient environment for your older loved ones. Your beloved family members will have countless opportunities to build new friendships. Our dedicated staff provides individualized support and attention to our residents to help them lead fulfilling, healthy, and balanced lives.

 

If you have questions about the benefits of camping for seniors or any conditions discussed here, connect with us and learn more. 

At 12 Oaks, our team of caring professionals is dedicated to keeping residents safe, engaged, and connected to their families and friends while leading fulfilling lives. 12 Oaks communities are an ideal place to enjoy the encore season of life.

For questions or to book a scheduled personalized tour, do not hesitate to contact us. 

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Are you searching for senior living help? At 12 Oaks Senior Living, we would love to learn more about your unique needs and the opportunity we may have to help you meet them. Our blog is one of the valuable resources we provide to inform and encourage seniors to lead fulfilling and thriving lives. Contact us today to schedule a virtual tour.

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