Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for over 60s, but it can become somewhat of a challenge when hitting the road for an extended period.
While traveling, it’s easy to fall into unhealthy habits like overeating, skipping exercise, or not getting enough sleep. However, staying active is essential for overall health and well-being, and there are many ways you can achieve this even while on the road.
By following a few simple tips and tricks, you can maintain a healthy lifestyle and enjoy your travels without compromising your health.
How to stay fit and healthy on the road
Despite the challenges, there are various ways to keep fit and healthy while traveling.
Incorporating physical activity into travel plans, packing lightweight exercise equipment, walking as much as possible, using hotel gyms, practicing healthy eating habits, staying hydrated, and taking breaks when needed are all effective ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle on the road.
With a little planning and effort, you can enjoy your travels while also taking care of your health.
Exercise Manager at The Fast 800 Programme, Pascal Sedgwick explains that “maintaining good nutrition and fitness whilst travelling may feel challenging, however, it can also help reduce the risk of illness and injury.”
“It can also help prevent chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis in the long run,” Sedgwick adds.
“From a mindset perspective, exercise has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health, reducing stress and anxiety and improving mood. This can be particularly important for older travellers who may be feeling isolated while on the road.”
Sedgwick suggests the following exercises that can help you maintain optimal health and well-being on your next travel adventure.
- Walking: It goes without saying that walking is by far the easiest way to get a low-impact workout in whilst travelling. You can go for a walk around the campsite or find local walking trails to explore the area.
- Yoga: A great way to stretch and strengthen your muscles, improve flexibility and reduce stress. You can do yoga in your caravan or find a scenic spot outdoors to lay down your mat.
- Swimming: A great low-impact exercise that is easy on the joints. Many caravan parks have swimming pools, or you can find a local beach to take a dip.
- Bodyweight exercises: These can be done anywhere and require no equipment. They are a great way to maintain strength and fitness while travelling. This can easily be done on the road.
Why it’s important to maintain health and fitness while travelling
Maintaining health and fitness while traveling is crucial for you to fully enjoy your trip. It helps to prevent health problems like fatigue, muscle stiffness, joint pain, and other issues that can make traveling uncomfortable.
Regular physical activity and healthy eating habits can also boost energy levels, improve mood, and help you stay mentally alert.
Staying fit and healthy can also ensure that you make the most of your trip, including participating in various activities and exploring new destinations.
Sedgwick explains that “on top of the more long-term conditions” that can come with inactivity “older adults who are not in good physical condition may be more likely to suffer from falls, strains, and other injuries while travelling”.
“By neglecting your fitness, you may also experience reduced mobility, making it more difficult to participate in activities or explore new places,” Sedgwick adds.
However, ensuring you remain fit and healthy while on the road is not just about exercising and making sure you are getting up and moving every day. Proper nutrition, hydration and adequate rest are also essential to ensure you are in tip-top shape while out on the road.
“Eating a healthy and balanced diet is important for overall health and fitness at all ages,” Sedgwick advises.
“I suggest packing up an array of healthy whole foods in a cool box for cooking or look for healthy food options while on the road. Dehydration can be a risk for older adults, especially if they are travelling in hot climates. It’s important to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
“Getting enough rest is vital, especially when on the road, aim to get enough sleep and take breaks when needed.”
By incorporating physical activities, healthy eating habits, and maintaining a positive outlook, not only can you maintain your health but also enjoy your travels to the fullest.
It is important to listen to your body, take breaks when needed, and consult with your healthcare provider before embarking on any new exercise routine.
With these tips in mind, you can continue to explore new destinations and ensure that your adventures on the road are not only enjoyable but also sustainable for the years to come.
