8 ways to make me young in my 60s

There’s a saying about using travel to rejuvenate yourself, find joy in the ordinary, and find peace in exploration. Of course they are very compelling reasons, but I will add To stay young Also to the list.

In travel, I have found ways to stay young despite the years. Whether I’m with others or traveling solo, these eight benefits of travel will keep my mind and body at heart.

1. Have a stimulating brain

Traveling is a great way to stimulate my mind. From the moment I start planning a trip to decide what to pack to get to a destination in another country, my brain is off autopilot and on a new path of discovery.

After a 23 hour flight from Australia I arrived at Rome Fiumicino Airport. I was traveling alone with no fixed plans. I didn’t have to think much on the flight but suddenly I wanted to switch my brain. Where are the trains to the city? Can I buy a ticket from a machine or do I have to buy it at the counter? Can I remember a few Italian phrases I know?

Although it may sound scary, this type of stimulation slows brain aging and cognitive decline. If we don’t stretch or challenge ourselves, we mentally age quickly.

2. Find ways to exercise occasionally

I know exercise is important to my health, especially as I age. It can prevent or delay later health problems.

Travel provides opportunities for occasional exercise. Biking, climbing the stairs to a view, window shopping; None of this feels like exercise when I’m traveling because I’m so engrossed in the new surroundings.

I visited Cortina d’Ampezzo in the Dolomites region of the Italian Alps on a coach tour. It’s a world-renowned ski resort, but I was there in the middle of summer. After several hours of sitting on the couch, I had the perfect opportunity to put on my walking shoes and stretch my legs out on a clean surface.

A crisp breeze flushed my nostrils, watered my eyes, and quickened my steps, and as I wandered through the unbeaten streets a fresh air scented with pines whipped me.

Exercising while traveling doesn’t have to be a heart-pumping exercise. Simply keeping our bodies mobile and flexible has benefits that allow us to travel comfortably for long periods of time.

3. Connect with nature to improve mental well-being

At home in South Australia, I am lucky to be surrounded by nature. I live near the beach and the kangaroos roam freely within half a mile. Nature and fresh air are important to me.

As much as I love airplane trips, airports, and cities, I make sure my trips are spent in nature and outdoors. Whether it’s walking barefoot on the beach or getting close to wildlife in the countryside, all the time spent in nature improves mental health.

While visiting the Croatian city of Dubrovnik on a cruise, I went out for a walk and lunch with friends. We walked the walls around the historic old town, admiring the terracotta roofs against the turquoise backdrop of the Adriatic Sea. Diners in crowded cafes sought shade from umbrellas as the June sun shone warmly off the ancient Baroque buildings.

The lure of the sparkling sea became irresistible to our hot, sweaty bodies, and soon we were in, enjoying an impromptu swim in the soothing, cool water. After sharing a ship with 3,300 people, this peaceful yet joyful connection with nature is a welcome addition.

4. Be ready to make new friends

He is not only enriched by contact with nature; I enjoy being with people, especially when I travel. Learning about its inhabitants is a great way to gain a better understanding of an area.

My life is enriched by the people I meet on my travels – both locals and other tourists. It adds another level of excitement. Being considerate of others and having them take an interest in my story is incredibly satisfying.

My mates and I were touring Tasmania in a rental car when we met two couples in Hobart. We traveled together for three days, got to know each other and had so much fun with them that we met a year later. Friendship and laughter had a very positive effect that created an unforgettable holiday.

As humans, we have a primal need to connect with one another, and a saved mind is a young mind.

5. Never look at the joy and laughter

Laughter has many benefits, from reducing stress and depression to improving memory and boosting the immune system. That’s why I try to look on the bright side when I travel. Especially when things go wrong, as they always do.

I’ve had hotels where reservations were lost, my luggage left on a flight from Los Angeles to Brisbane, a tour canceled at the last minute, and it rained the entire time on my beach vacation.

Getting upset and frustrated won’t change the outcome. Finding a funny or light-hearted side. And a happy, smiling face, regardless of age, always compliments an angry or angry face.

6. Be young and active with active emotions

The day I spent wandering the streets of Rome, I was excited. Conversations in poetic language, water flowing from ornate fountains, the smell of fresh coffee – everything around me had such energy.

At an outdoor table in Piazza Navona, the vibe around the restaurant was lively. The classical music of the violin and piano accordion wafted across the sun-drenched square, the sound of buskers intermingled with the clinking of glass and the shrill and lively chatter. I felt my face heat up; The welcome influence of the sun and white wine in me the saltiness of the seafood gnocchi de pescatore It pleased my tongue.

Awakening the senses is the perfect way to feel young and alive.

7. Allow time to accept what brings you joy

I discovered my passion for writing and photography on my first trip overseas. At the time, my relationship was unraveling and I found solace in a magazine on my iPad.

As I sat alone in a bar in Rapallo on the Italian Riviera, the iPad was nearby. Thunder, lightning and heavy rain poured outside as Andrea Bocelli played through the speakers. I closed my eyes and lost myself in his voice. As tears flowed from my eyes and tickled my cheeks, something inside me awoke. More tears followed, drawing out toxic emotions and working like knitting needles. Putting those thoughts into words became therapeutic.

Writing is now a part of my life and includes a love of food and wine. Travel is the perfect time to focus on what brings me joy. I make sure to add a big chunk to my itinerary to feed my needs well.

8. Be grateful and appreciate cultural differences

I prefer not to suffer from “comparisonitis” when I travel. Our lifestyles are diverse, our cuisine is diverse, and our countryside is diverse. These things are not better or worse. There is no comparison – they are simply different.

When I embrace the differences and am grateful for the opportunities I have to witness them, I never have a bad experience. Gratitude and appreciation strengthen my resolve and keep me in a healthy and youthful state of mind.

How I perceive life and how I work and spend my time is what defines the stage of my life rather than the candles on my cake.

Once I start planning a trip, I have a resource in my ranks. A feeling I never want to lose and one I’m sure we all share. We owe it to ourselves to stay young at heart and maintain a healthy and active mind so that we can enjoy our travels for as long as possible.