In a world that has become obsessed with youth and “anti-ageing” measures, it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that certain activities are reserved for the young and fit. Hiking could be thought of as one of these activities, but being one of humanity’s oldest pursuits, it defies the boundaries of age, fitness level, gender, and race. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a novice, and no matter what stage of life you’re in, the benefits of hiking are boundless. It’s time to shed the fears and worries and embrace the joy of hiking at any stage of life.
Breaking stereotypes
Picture this: a fit, middle-aged person setting out on a hike, carrying everything they need on their back. If you’ve come with us on a few of our hikes or bigger adventure tours, this shouldn’t take too much imagination; you’ve seen plenty of these people before! So while some of us might be well-accustomed to this image, this sight might have actually raised a few eyebrows in years gone by. However, in recent years, the rise of young influencers and adventure-seeking travellers has dominated the hiking scene, inspiring more people every year to embark on an adventure holiday or embrace an epic outdoor experience, rather than settling down at a beach resort for a week. But keep in mind that these adventures aren’t just reserved for young go-getters with infinite energy and a thrill-seeking personality. They are for anyone of any age and the beauty of these adventures lies in their adaptability for anyone who wants their own life-changing experience. It’s important to remember that every individual, regardless of age or background, has their own unique journey and reasons for venturing into the wilderness, so we need to break the stereotype of the young whippersnapper adventurers!
The power of connection
In today’s fast-paced and digitally connected world, we often find ourselves yearning for authentic human connection. Technology can always do its best to mimic genuine interpersonal communication (after all, Zoom got us through a couple of years somehow), but it will never quite perfect the feeling of actually being in the same space as someone else. Hiking, especially in groups, offers a unique opportunity to forge deep and meaningful bonds with fellow adventurers. When you climb that tricky steep hill or scramble over those rocks together, the feeling of achieving something awesome together creates a bond that cannot be found in your classic cafe catch-up. The shared experience of navigating challenging trails, witnessing breathtaking vistas, and conquering personal limitations creates an unbreakable camaraderie. Plus, when you come across a gentler section of the hike (hopefully more often than the crazy steep sections), you have the wonderful opportunity to share stories, thoughts, and experiences that can strengthen a social connection like nothing else. No matter our age, we all benefit from the support and encouragement of like-minded individuals on the hiking trail.
Embracing our well-being
Regardless of age, we all deserve to live a life filled with vitality and joy. In fact, the more time you spend in this world, the more time you have for fantastic experiences that can fill your life with such joy! Hiking and adventure serve as the gateway to achieving that state of well-being. Obviously, there are big moments that we typically think of as ones that bring us joy, such as reaching the top of a massive mountain like Kilimanjaro or reaching the end of a challenging trail like the Larapinta. However, joy can often be found in the smaller moments of adventures as well, or the moments that people can forget to consider when thinking about adventure. The simplicity of walking on a dirt path, breathing in the crisp air, sharing a belly laugh with your hiking mates, and marvelling at the beauty of nature can work wonders for our overall well-being. By challenging ourselves on the hiking trail, we tap into our inner strength, resilience, and determination, all things essential to maintaining strong mental well-being.
Age is just a number
The notion that hiking is solely for the young and physically fit is simply a myth waiting to be debunked. If you’re an older adult who has been on your own adventures and accomplished your own challenging goals, maybe you’ve already debunked this myth yourself! Secretly, we like to believe that we’ve debunked the myth already, too. As we age, our bodies and capabilities may change, but the desire for adventure and connection with nature and other people remains strong. In fact, that desire may strengthen as we age and our lives get more and more filled with work and life commitments that can take us away from that strong connection to nature and other people. So if our desire for the positive effects of hiking intensifies later in life, why should we let our physical capabilities stop us? Hiking provides an excellent opportunity to challenge ourselves physically, mentally, and emotionally, regardless of our age. It’s never too late to embark on a new path and discover the wonders that await us in the great outdoors.
Thriving through adventure
Hiking and adventure have a transformative power that can positively impact our lives in countless ways. By immersing ourselves in nature, we awaken our senses, rejuvenate our minds, and nourish our souls. The physical exertion of hiking strengthens our bodies, improves cardiovascular health, and boosts overall fitness levels. This is something that many adults want to increase or improve in their life as they get older, but feel that they are unable, or turn to stereotypical methods of doing so that they don’t actually enjoy. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice joy and satisfaction in life to achieve a functional, healthy body! It’s possible to find an activity that you love, such as hiking, that can benefit your body at the same time.
Also, studies have shown that spending time in nature reduces stress, enhances cognitive function, and increases creativity. This can be fantastic for balancing our brains out as we get older. Sometimes they can become crammed full of work and life stresses that sneakily build up over time and lead to burnout. Getting out into nature to give our brain space to relax and thrive is one of the best ways to counteract this, and can allow us the mental space to find more joy and positivity in all areas of our lives.
Hiking knows no boundaries, no age limits, and no preconceived notions. It is a universal language that speaks to the adventurous spirit within us all. Whether you’re a fit middle-aged hiker, an aspiring influencer in your twenties, or a solo adventurer who embarks on epic journeys, the great outdoors welcomes you with open arms. Let us banish our fears or our stereotype of an adventurer and embrace the transformative power of hiking. Together, we can create a community that celebrates the shared joy, connection, and well-being that come from embracing nature’s wonders. So, lace up your boots, step onto the trail, and let the adventure begin!
Take a look at our events calendar to find your perfect adventure and start defying those stereotypes!
