Senior travel does not have to mean shuffleboard on board a cruise ship or viewing tourist sites from the windows of a tour bus.
Health experts frequently point to ongoing learning and constant mental growth as a means to prevent conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. Travel offers one of the most exciting ways to learn, expanding your horizons literally as well as figuratively. The mental benefits of travel were already known centuries ago. The Roman stoic philosopher and tutor to the Roman emperor Nero wrote, "Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind."
Ayurvedic Medicine
Road Scholar (previously known as Elderhostel or Exploritas) pioneered the concept of active, educational trips for those older than 55. The organization offers a wide range of trips, both in the U.S. and abroad, with a wide range of physical activity levels. The current catalog of trips offers seniors the opportunity to learn about ayurveda, the ancient system of health of the Indian subcontinent. Program participants will learn identify their dosha (type) and what foods, herbs and gentle yoga exercises best support health and longevity for their dosha. The program takes place in New Mexico, and also includes a visit to a museum to see Native American art and a tramway ride up into the rugged Sandia Mountains.
Road Scholar/Elderhostel
11 Avenue de Lafayette
Boston MA 02111
800-454-5768
roadscholar.org
Digital Photography
Road Scholar travelers can also choose to learn about new technology while vacationing in beautiful locales. A Costa Rica trip teaches travelers the techniques of digital photography with the rainforest, providing abundant choices for exotic photo subjects. Budding digital photographers will visit locations more than 11,000 feet and may hike up to 90 minutes each day in hot and humid weather. A visit to Costa Rica's Arenal volcano will include a lecture on geology, and travelers will learn about the ecology of the rainforest as well as how best to photograph it.
Road Scholar/Elderhostel
11 Avenue de Lafayette
Boston MA 02111
800-454-5768
roadscholar.org
Language Immersion
If you desire to learn a foreign language, the Learning Traveller offers immersion programs designed specifically for travelers 50 and older. Learn Italian, Spanish, French, German or Chinese among native speakers. The program will place you in a pre-screened home environment. In addition to staying with people who have spoken your new language since birth, you will participate in classes keyed to your ability level and participate in field trips with other language learners in your age group.
The Learning Traveller Inc.
121 Wyndham Street North, Suite 201
Guelph, Ontario
N1H 4E9 Canada
+ 1 519 821 3202
thelearningtraveller.com
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