Camping in the wilderness surrounded by nature is a perfect way to bond and spend time with your senior friends during your golden years. Spending time in nature is said to benefit your social, physical, and mental health after retirement.
Camping may seem daunting especially for older adults since your knees may have become weaker, or your stamina has decreased. However, it is an activity that people of all ages can enjoy. These are some recommendations and tips if you’re planning to go camping with senior friends.
Invest In a Taller Tent
An important thing to consider would be to get a tent that is tall enough for you and your friends to fully stand up in. This will not only reduce the chances of developing aches and pains but also simplifies daily tasks such as changing clothes and moving in and out of the tent. With regards to the type of tents, large instant tents are recommended as they are easy to put up and take down while weighing as little as 25 pounds. They normally can fit up to 6 people and have an interior height of at least 6 inches.
Upgrade Your Camping Gear
If it’s been quite some time since you last used your camping gear, this might be a great time for you to upgrade your camping gear. Even if your camping gear is in perfect condition, it might still be good to have them upgraded. If you’re serious about going camping, it might be good to invest in camping equipment and gear that weigh less since you might not be as strong as in the past. Furthermore, it is important to upgrade your tent lights, headlamps, flashlights, and lanterns since the newer ones use LED bulbs which are brighter, more durable, and are less likely to catch fire as compared to using candles or kerosene.
Spend More Time Planning and Packing
As an older adult, you may tend to have more things to worry about such as whether you have packed enough medicine to last you for the whole trip, whether the campsite has sufficient facilities, whether the campsite area is easily accessible if you have mobility issues, and whether you have the right gear and equipment. To make your camping trip a memorable and worry-free one, it is recommended to do some research and planning beforehand. It also helps to create a packing list to ensure you’ve packed everything you might need such as hiking equipment or fishing gear. To play safe, it may be good to pack extras of everything just in case.
Choosing a Campsite with Electricity
Regarding the selection of a campsite, a modern campsite that comes with electricity will ensure your comfort as you’ll be able to bring along electronic appliances such as fans, mini-fridges, electric cookers, televisions, or even any medical equipment. Modern campsites usually do not cost a lot more than a standard campsite and you should be able to find them at most state parks. It’d be a good idea to bring along an extension cord so that you can use more appliances at the same time, making your trip an easier and more comfortable one.
