Nothing combines leisure and active senior living quite like embarking on a journey through the great outdoors. Camping is an excellent way to get outside and appreciate what nature has to offer. There are a few safety precautions that all campers should keep in mind before starting their adventure. Here are a few tips to consider for your next camping trip that will help you feel an overall achievement of senior independence:
Preparation is key
Camping requires more precise planning ahead than most other leisure activities, mainly because once you get all the way to your campsite, it’s hard to turn back and pick up any supplies you may have left behind. In the week prior to your trip, plot out an extensive list of everything you foresee yourself and your camping party needing. From tents, pots and pans, sleeping bags and flashlights to s’mores ingredients, the list of things you’ll want to have with you is practically infinite. It’s always better safe than sorry when it comes to bringing extra gear, so consult with your fellow campers on a checklist prior to taking off.
Do your research
If you or someone in your camping party is prone to certain physical issues such as mobility or fatigue, you’ll need to find a park that’s more accommodating to their health needs. Try to find camping sites that have flatter hiking trails, or ones that are closer to a body of water, so you won’t have to travel far to reel in some fish. Call your local park ranger to see if there are any handicapped-accessible locations for those who need it.
Safety first
It’s always beneficial to be completely prepared in the event of an emergency during camping. The Washington Trails Association has compiled an essential list for what should be in every camper’s first aid kit. Among the must-have items to always have with you:
- Bandages and sterile dressing pads
- Gauze roll or adhesive tape
- Forceps or tweezers
- Trauma scissors or hunting knife
- Safety pins
- Antiseptic towelettes
- Pain relievers, such as aspirin or ibuprofen
- Antibiotic ointment
- Flashlight
- Plenty of water
If you are currently taking medication for any health condition, make sure you’ve brought it with you. Always have contact information available for your personal physician along with you. Be sure to inform other people close to you that you’re planning on going camping so people know where you are in the case of an emergency.
Food
Eating outdoors is trickier than most people expect, which is why planning your meals accordingly is always important. Keep your cooler filled with ice for campfire foods such as hotdogs or fish, and bring plenty of snacks such as energy or granola bars for the trip. Be conscious of your surroundings and clean up after yourself. Leaving food out around your tent and campsite is the easiest way to attract unwanted animal guests.
Get a pass
If you’re always up for outdoor senior activity, take advantage of the perks available! The U.S. Geological Survey has a National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass for seniors, where for only $10, members can obtain a lifetime pass that will give you access to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by the U.S. federal environmental agencies, including The Forest Service, the National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation. This is the best way to save some money for your trip and will also add some incentive to stay active and keep exploring all the incredible opportunities the great outdoors has to offer.
