Taking off on the Big Lap can improve your physical and mental wellbeing and add years to your life expectancy, a new study concludes.
The research showed men with the healthiest and most active lifestyles lived six years longer, while women gained five extra years.
The findings are no surprise to Dr Brian Morton, the chair of the Australian Medical Association’s council of general practitioners. He told the Grey Nomads website that hitching up the van to go see Australia had clear physical and psychological benefits.
“Of course, getting out to new places, seeing and doing new things, and meeting new people can be invigorating,” he said. “It keeps the mind and body active and it can even lead to an improvement in physical health.”
Dr Morton said a change of scene and lifestyle often led to grey nomads losing weight and enjoying all the associated health benefits.
“At a certain age you inevitably get physical ailments and, without stimulation, your focus can be on your physical problems,” he said. “Getting out and travelling gives people something else to think about and look forward to.”
And, he said, activities such as bushwalking or cycling can strengthen grey nomads’ pain thresholds helping them to cope better with conditions such as arthritis.
“It certainly beats the transition from office chair to lounge chair and the TV,” Dr Morton said. “I’m sure it can add years to your life but it is difficult to prove … or to disprove.”
The recent research conducted by Sweden’s Karolinska Institute over an 18-year period analysed the lifestyles of 1,810 people over 75. It found swimming and walking increased life expectancy by around two years. People with a rich social circle lived 18 months longer than those without.
However, Dr Morton cautioned wannabe grey nomads that they should always discuss their plans with their doctor before striking off … and medical needs should be factored into any decision about destinations, trip duration, and even mode of transport.
Nonetheless, for the majority, it seems that the scientific verdict is in …. and being a grey nomad is good for you.
“Retirement is not the end and people can continue to do different things,” said Dr Morton. “It seems 70 is the new 60, and 80 is the new 70!”
