Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, June 17, 1990 TAG: 9006270151
SECTION: SENIOR STYLE PAGE: SS-19 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Think camping is just for the young?
Think again because recreation vehicle (RV) camping and touring is a favorite activity for anyone who's young at heart, says the Go Camping America Committee. In fact, nearly one-third of the nation's 7.5 million RVs are owned by mature Americans aged 55 and up.
While not everyone can backpack or tent-camp due to age or physical restrictions, anyone can enjoy outdoor living at a campground with an RV. In an RV, seniors are surrounded by accessible home comforts since units are equipped with living, dining, sleeping and bathroom facilities.
Modern kitchens complete with refrigerators and freezers enable senior RVers to keep foods on hand for special diets. On-board closets and storage space eliminate the need to pack, unpack and carry heavy suitcases in and out of hotels. In RVs, seniors can vacation more economically and more often by avoiding high-priced hotels and restaurants. The average campground charges only one-fourth the price of most hotels.
Based on current ownership and rental trends, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) estimates that nine million senior Americans use RVs on an annual basis.
One reason for the popularity of the RV lifestyle among seniors is the sense of community it fosters. Senior RVers share common interests with a vast network of friends. Through camping clubs, seniors meet socially at conventions, rallies and campgrounds. Many offer group excursions to make travel more fun and secure. The Good Sam Club, National Campers and Hikers Association, Family Motor Coach Association and Loners on Wheels are among the national camping clubs popular with retirees.
Whether for frequent get-aways or a "snowbird's" annual migration to warmer winter climates, mature Americans often choose campgrounds with expanded facilities that concentrate on the senior traveler. Resort-like campgrounds provide golf, tennis, shuffleboard and other group activities. Additionally, many have swimming pools, saunas and whirlpools for relaxation.
Senior RVers often use their rig as a guest house when traveling to visit family and friends. Not only does it provide comfortable travel and lodging while en route, it provides the privacy to which they are accustomed during their visit.
For a complimentary packet of information about RVing, seniors should write to: Go Camping America, Dept. P, P.O. Box 2669, Reston, Va. 22090.
by CNB