Some people think of camping as an activity for young people, but it’s something everyone can enjoy. Age is no barrier when it comes to getting back to nature and spending quality time with loved ones.

While the average age for a first camping trip is ten, older campers are now becoming more common – around 30% are aged 45 and above, according to the Outdoor Industry Camper Report.

People aged 55 and above aren’t looking for glamping either: the report reveals 55% still prefer a traditional night under canvas, with only 22% booking a cabin on a campsite. This age group is becoming a “major market” today, according to research by the Ibis World report, Caravan and Camping Sites in the UK.

In addition, 38% of Generation X campers, aged between 41 and 56, say they are “lifelong” fans of the great outdoors and plan to carry on camping for as long as possible.

What are the health benefits of camping into your later years?

Camping is a great way of experiencing a healthy break from the routine, at a fraction of the cost of hopping on a plane and jetting off abroad. It’s a great way to spend time in the fresh air, making your holiday as leisurely or adventurous as you choose.

Everything about a camping trip is more leisurely and stress-free, such as the arrival and departure and the journey itself. You can go at your own pace, taking as many breaks or overnight stops as you choose, without any pressure to stick to a strict schedule. Everything can be done in a hassle-free manner, whether you choose a solo trip, one with your partner or friends, or a holiday with the grandchildren.

Camping will spur you out of your comfort zone, encouraging you to try new activities. Hiking, cycling and fishing are just some of the things you can do, depending on your mobility. You will burn more calories than you would by staying at home, that’s for sure!

Being out in the fresh air and sunshine, especially for city dwellers, brings its own benefits for seniors. Breathing in clean air, our body produces more serotonin. This leaves us feeling refreshed and energised. It can also boost our immune system and lower our blood pressure. Walking in the sunshine improves Vitamin D production in our body, enabling us to absorb calcium more effectively, which is good for the bones.

An outdoor holiday can also encourage better sleep. Insomnia is a common sleep disorder among senior citizens, with 48% reporting symptoms, according to research published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. After a day of outdoor physical activities and fresh air, you’re more likely to enjoy a good night’s sleep, especially if you’re out in the tranquil countryside, rather than in a busy and noisy city.

Some campers have reported an improved sleep cycle even on returning home from a holiday. Enjoying good sleep has all sorts of health benefits, such as better concentration and a healthier cardiovascular system.

What are the other advantages of camping for senior citizens?

Camping can help us to build meaningful connections through socialisation, reducing the feelings of isolation that many adults experience as they grow older.

According to the National Poll on Healthy Aging 2023, 34% of people aged 50 to 80 experience loneliness and feel isolated from others. Almost one-third are lonely some of the time, while 5% are isolated often, or all the time.

Camping can encourage you to take steps to improve your day-to-day life, such as inviting a neighbour to take a short break with you, rather than just chatting over the garden fence. Finding out you have a common interest will cement your friendship further.

The flexible travel arrangements can be organised and changed at short notice, while there are campsites located all over the UK, so you won’t have to travel a long way if you don’t feel up to it.

Camp near bathroom and toilet facilities and the site shop for convenience. Most modern campsites offer reliable health and emergency care, so people with medical conditions can enjoy a carefree stay.

If you choose a campsite aimed at seniors, there will be plenty of leisure activities that are age appropriate. Look for somewhere that offers guided walks, tours of the nearest large town and places of interest, boat trips, cycling, farmers’ markets or wine tastings, for example.

Make your camping holiday into exactly what you want it to be, without being trapped by set mealtimes or routine.

Preparing for a camping holiday

As with any holiday, preparation is the key. This means getting the appropriate camping equipment.

If you’re looking forward to a holiday under canvas, a large tent with plenty of room to manoeuvre is a must. This will help avoid aches and pains.

Polls show a major reason why many senior citizens don’t go camping is because they envisage a small, cramped tent, where they have to crawl around and bend down a lot. For people who are less flexible, this deters them from trying it.

Today’s tents are designed so it’s easy to stand up straight and walk around freely inside. When you get a bigger tent, you can kit it out with more home comforts.

Older campers also worry that they won’t be able to sleep comfortably, but you don’t have to sleep on the ground! An air mattress placed on a sturdy frame provides comfort and won’t leave you waking up feeling stiff with backache.

Sleeping off the ground is also warmer. When you have a large tent, you’ll have enough room for double folding air beds, with more space to spread out.

Noone is going to be on the move from dusk ‘til dawn, so you’ll need somewhere to sit and relax. For comfort during the day, choose easy to assemble equipment, including chairs and tables, for a true home-from-home camping experience. Hopefully, the weather will be warm enough to sit outside, but with a roomy tent, you can also set up folding chairs indoors, should the British weather let you down!

Many tents have separate living compartments, so they are particularly useful, as you can have different sleeping and living areas under one roof.

Never let age be a barrier: you are only here once!