How old is TOO old for travel?
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It’s all over at the age of __?
On each one of our group trips thus far we have shared a trip minimum age and a recommended maximum age. In addition, we add a paragraph of what a guest should be able to do physically (and sometimes mentally) to make this trip feasible for them. The minimum age is there because how our trips are built for those over 13 is very different than how we would build a trip for those who are younger than teens and tweens, especially in countries that most would consider intense travel. The maximum age is based on what the majority at that particular age can do physically, however, there ARE exceptions and that is why our max-age is not a line in the sand.
Since our maximum age is subjective, we leave it open for people to chat with us about their ability and if they feel they can do it, who are we to say no? On every trip we have hosted, there have been 1 to 2 guests who were over the recommended age and they were more than able to keep up physically and in some cases lead the pack. India is no exception. We have two guests registered at this point who are over the age maximum, one who was on a previous trip and rocked it!
So, the question becomes how old is too old? I have spent a lifetime believing age is just a number and have always said it’s not over until they toss the gravel on me (or sprinkle me in the ocean) or a new one I learned recently which I love, “it’s not over until toes up.” But, does there come a time where over night things do not work as well as they used to? Or is it a gradual process? Is it genetic? Tell me, when did you start to feel you might have some physical limitations you had never had before? Or when do you think your life will change from how you currently live it physically? Has this already happened, what age was that? I truly would love to hear your thoughts on physical ability and age.
In recent years I have changed my thoughts on “toes up” and come up with a number in my head that I feel will be my physical lifestyle-changing age. Is that weird? People at dinner parties and friends think I am crazy and this is a morbid topic to discuss, it is rarely met with excitement and curiosity. I don’t believe this number in my head is THE END. However, I do live my life wanting to accomplish some big physical goals before I get to the # I have in my head, just in case my mind says yes and my body says hell no at that age. If I get some extra years or even a decade, awesome, if not I want to make sure I did not “wait until the timing was better for xyz adventure.” Do you think this attitude contributes to how I live my life? And if you listen to the advice of anyone who is physically unable to do the things they used to do they will say Don’t Wait Too LONG!!! Are there any others in this church with me? How did you arrive at your philosophy and decide what THAT age is?
I meet people all the time that are a decade or older than this age I have in my head who climb mountains, run marathons, break records, and world travel like a 20-year-old. And I don’t just see this in western countries where people have access to excellent healthcare, healthy food options, less stress, meditation, and all the things that are supposed to prolong our mental and physical health. I see physical abilities that blow that number in my head out of the water all over the world, even in the far mountains of the Red Dao tribes in Vietnam. I am still trying to figure out why I feel this way. Both sets of mine and Will’s parents are still alive and in good health. We have not lost close friends who were young or even middle aged. Our kids are in great physical shape with no chronic conditions. I am going to think about it more and hopefully, I will have a follow-up newsletter when I come to an answer or maybe I will never have an answer. Who knows.
Isn’t it weird we can predict so much in our life, but not when our mind and body will start to fail us? I find this is pretty wild.
Ok, this was supposed to be an uplifting newsletter about why you should join us on those last couple of available India spots. It was supposed to be a “seize the moment” and inspire you to come even if you are above the age recommendation or scared. Now I probably have you all thinking I am dying. I am not, just thinking about how we have x amount of time to full fill those big dreams and then we just don’t have that time anymore. It’s reality. If India has always been on your list then do it now, before it is too late physically or even worse “toes up.”
Last Call for INDIA
If you want to join us in India, registration closes in 8 hours. 5pm EST in the USA! If we don’t meet our minimum we will need to cancel. Unfortunately we cannot host this trip again for 3 years. Get it now! If you have any questions feel free to reach out to me jessica@worldtowning.com. We would love to share the magic of India with you.
And a discount because I want this to fill so we can all go!!!
$500 off if you buy all 3 spots (3 friends or 3 family members is fine)
$300 off if you buy 2 spots (2 friends or 2 family members is fine)
$200 off if you buy 1 spot
*No other discounts apply. Discount will be applied when you pay the balance 3 months before the departure. And if 3 friends want to go you can pay separately and divide the discount 3 ways.
Where are we now?
Vietnam! Eating all the Banh Mi sandwiches.
This newsletter/podcast will remain completely free, but if you find value in our work, please consider a paid newsletter and/or podcast subscription. For just $5/month or $50/annually. I know some of you are not interested in subscriptions and prefer to send your contribution directly to us on Venmo (@Jessica-Sueiro). I am so happy to have you here and thank you for your continued support of my writing and our future podcast.
Jessica,
Sometimes you just crack me up. I have been pondering the same thing the last few years. And hope for at least 20 or 30 more years of adventure. But who knows right. Seize the day.
This resonates with us too. While I don't think we have called out a specific age, we do try to live our life on the basis of the fact that some day we might not feel as physically able to travel anymore. We look at our parents, who are healthy but less inclined for long haul travel nowadays and realise that one day we may just not want to. So let's do it now while we feel strong both mentally and physically. Likewise, with Mark's cancer diagnosis that also taught us to take the bull by the horns and do the things NOW. That's the core tenet really of our Everyday Journeys substack, to encourage people not to wait to do the things they'd love to do. Thanks for sharing Jessica!