As people age, anxiety can become a common, often overwhelming, experience. Anxiety in older adults can stem from a combination of health, social, and financial concerns. I’d like to make the case that RVing positively addresses these concerns—especially for seniors, but really for everyone. Read on to find out why.
Three main concerns
No matter your age, there are changes that can be challenging to manage. All of us are older today than we were yesterday, right? No matter if you’re 23 or 103, the following are common concerns as we age:
- Health. Declining physical abilities can lead to worries about independence and quality of life. Studies suggest that the physical and mental impacts of health issues often heighten anxiety, especially in retirees who fear becoming dependent on others.
- Isolation. Many of us experience social losses. Friends and loved ones pass away or relocate to far-flung locales. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and anxiety.
- Finances. With prices continuing to climb, every age sector feels the pinch. Retirees who live on fixed incomes may worry about outliving their savings, particularly as healthcare costs rise. Concerns about unexpected expenses or major healthcare needs can significantly increase anxiety.
So, just how does RVing address these three areas? Let’s take a look!
RVing can help physically
Regular exercise has been shown to reduce anxiety by releasing endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” hormones. Low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, or stretching exercises are great—even for seniors—as they’re gentle on joints but still effective in promoting mental clarity and relaxation.
Many RV parks feature swimming pools, workout/exercise rooms, and walking trails. New places may offer opportunities to hike, bike, or sightsee—all of which can help keep you active while on the road.
If you struggle with a particular chronic health issue, your RV can be your home away from home when seeking health care far away from your stix-n-brix home.
Note: There are many adaptations to make RVing physically easier. Your local RV dealer can tell you about extended handrails, RV step adaptations, and other products that may help as you travel in your RV.
RVing can help socially
RV parks may offer organized park events, like special celebrations, contests, or tournaments. You may also discover volunteer opportunities at your current location’s food bank or nonprofit re-sell shop. In addition, you can share your RV questions or advice on one of the many Facebook pages for RVers. (Look at how many RVtravel.com offers!)
You might consider organizing a daily or weekly meet-and-greet with fellow RVers at your rig or park clubhouse. Keep it simple with a “bring your own chair and beverage” invite. You don’t need an agenda. Just ask folks where they’re from and where they’re going next. You won’t run out of conversation, trust me!
RVing can help financially
It’s true that RVing costs money for fuel and camping fees. However, if you turn off water and HVAC systems in your stix-n-brix home, you may see savings that offset RVing costs. With the right equipment, you can boondock and save even on campground fees.
Other ways to save money RVing are outlined in this previously published article and video.
Constant concern over finances can become a well-worn rut. Seeing new terrain, exploring new places, and meeting new friends can often put a stop to continuous worry.
When we RV, I tend to live more in the moment. I notice the ripples on a lake, feel the mountain breeze tickle my nose, and delight in the colors of a sunset. Simply put, I stop worrying.
(Note: Talk to a knowledgeable money manager or banker for budget and savings advice. It may reveal unnecessary anxiety. It will also help you better plan your RV lifestyle.)
Important note
If anxiety interferes with daily activities or disrupts sleep and appetite, it’s time to see a healthcare provider. Symptoms like persistent worry, irritability, or physical symptoms (e.g., rapid heartbeat, excessive sweating, and shortness of breath) should be discussed with a doctor or counselor who can help develop an effective treatment plan.
Do you agree that RVing positively addresses the top three concerns for adults? Tell us in the comments.
##RVT1182
Good article.
Finances are probably #1
We’ve been FT for 6 yrs and separation from loved ones #2
Your actually right on
Close quarters #3 lol
Nice advice in this article👍🏻
Would it be less expensive to just stay in our house near the north CANUS border all year? A qualified yes. We leave a larger TT in Texas year-round and occupy it half the year. The fixed year-round expenses on both dwellings are the only part mostly but not fully covered by our migration. Using napkin arithmetic we save over $400 a month by living in the seasonally better climate. So we spend marginally more than staying put and enjoy life significantly more.
Funny, I called my camper “the recovery room” When I had both hips replaced they wanted me in a rehab center because of our stairs and dogs. So we parked the camper near the back door. We were plugged in, and had wifi from home and cable tv. I could get to the bathroom in 4 steps at most. Plus I could cook my meals. The visiting nurse was astounded at how well it worked. She came a few times to remind me to do therapy. Which also worked in the close quarters. I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Yes, agree. Anxiety in full-time RVing, with inflation, safety issues, maintenance, etc has been challenging over the past 5yrs — so I learned how to minimize anxiety thru breathing techniques, changed eating habits, lowered caffeine intake, & increased proper exercise which has made all the difference!
We have been full time for six years. Five of those were spent as volunteer campground hosts in state and federal campgrounds. Working as hosts has been the best life ever! We move every couple of months, stay in gorgeous locales, and feel productive as we help rangers and campers have a clean campground.
Finances are a big consideration for us. It could be at home when I go out to eat and my average meal costs more than twice what I earned in a day 50 years ago. Everything needs to be compared to something from the past. You know the apples to apples thing. I also compare fuel/gas mileage to my ’57 Chevy. That’s always a plus as that 283 cubic inch motor only got 10 miles to the gallon. When we travel to the U.S. I tend to spoil the moment when I find something priced at $1.00 US and need to do the exchange knowing it will cost $1.43 Canadian. My #1 navigator is worth every penny so I seldom make mention of the exchange rate. Happy wife, happy life.
We still have stix and brix home, but we live in the RV 7 months of the year. We love the RV lifestyle and agree that it is responsible for insuring we maintain a healthy and socially active life. But it does come with a financial burden. The RVing costs outweigh the savings from shutting down the systems at home. Regardless, we plan to continue the RV life as long as we can.
Health is my choice…people will find out as they get older they can’t do the things they did when they were 30…everyone who gets old will get a turn at what I say here.
I just go when I can afford it, short trips. The dog likes to get home. Anxiety, not much. I worry some about creeps breaking into the house, but got a trail camera that would probably get a picture of trespassers and send it to my phone if I have phone service so I could call someone. I go where there are trails to walk the dog. Being an older person, walking is ok for exercise. I don’t worry about socializing. Seems like most people are reading or busy and don’t care to be bothered.
Thank you, Gail! Yes, I agree that RVing is beneficial. DW and I enjoy going places. Once dog #3 is better trained, or settles more easily and frequently, then we will enjoy it all the more. Have a great day, a good Thanksgiving, and safe travels!
Loneliness is the loney person’s fault. Of all the people and groups I know RVers are the friendliest. Just say hi.
RVing does wonders for my cabin fever….The snow is almost gone…Whew!