The world looks a lot different today than it did just a few years ago. From socializing to working, Covid-19 changed the way we approach our daily lives, including the way we take time for ourselves and relax. With travel restrictions and everyone wanting to avoid the spread of any illness, the newest trend is “staycations.” This new type of vacation is where people take the key parts of a vacation and the best parts of staying home and combine them to create a calming environment to hit that much-needed refresh button. Anyone can benefit from this new type of relaxing break, including retirees!
So, what exactly is a staycation? A staycation is when someone takes a few days for themselves without traveling. They stay home, clear their calendar, and enjoy local attractions and activities. Unlike a typical vacation, stressors such as the cost of flights or gas, having an up-to-date passport, and finding hotel accommodations are avoided. Staycations are more popular than ever because they also have the added benefit of not having to worry about the restrictions that Covid brought with it when traveling. International trips or even just out-of-state travel currently have guidelines in place that help eliminate the spread of Covid. With a staycation, you don’t have the stress of testing or quarantining to factor into your plans.
One group that can take advantage of this new trend is retirees. Sometimes in retirement, people fall into a repetitive pattern of boredom in which every day may start to feel the same. On the other hand, sometimes older adults try to be as productive as possible, helping friends and family to fill their free time. No matter how you’re living every day in retirement, it’s important to step back, give some time back to yourself, and recharge. With a staycation, retirees can get back to doing what they love, take the time to explore the areas they live around, and maybe even learn a new hobby.
With no travel, a staycation can give you the opportunity to see nearby sites that you’ve never been able to fit into your schedule. For example, Riddle Village is located just outside of Philadelphia, a historical city that many people travel from all over to experience. Just a short drive away is the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. There are also several state parks, trails, and farms to visit in the area. Aside from exploring, you may use this time to go on a shopping spree at a nearby mall, try out a new restaurant you’ve been meaning to get to, or maybe attend a local professional sport game or theater show.
Just because you’re staying home doesn’t mean you have to be on the go all the time. If vacation to you means resting, give yourself that opportunity. Book an appointment at a nearby spa, binge watch a new television show, and turn off your computer or cell phone. Treat yourself by ordering in meals, picking up an old hobby like knitting, puzzling, or woodworking, or even just allow yourself a guilt-free nap!
At Riddle Village, residents can have a staycation whenever they’d like! Everyday in our senior living community can be relaxing and fun, and no two days are ever the same. While residents can benefit from our services and amenities everyday in our community, during a staycation they may opt to treat themselves a little more than usual. Residents may opt to dine out for all three meals, knowing the food prep and clean up are taken care of. Instead of heading back to their apartment, residents can relax in the hot tub, practice their putting, or maybe read a good book in the fully stocked library. Daily retirement activities and evening entertainment guarantee you will feel like you are at an all-inclusive resort from the comfort of your home.
No matter what a vacation looks like to you, whether it means being on the go to soak up new experiences or just basking in the calmness of a clear itinerary, older adults should use this time to take a break from their day-to-day lives. To learn more about how living at Riddle Village can help you change up your routine and give you a much-needed rest from the stresses of daily living, call our marketing office at 610-891-3700!