Adventurous Activities Boost Happiness for Adults Over 50

A 2025 study conducted by Road Scholar revealed that 90% of adults over 50 engaging in adventurous activities are happier than those who don’t.

The survey involved 300 adults aged 50 to 98 and explored the relationships and connections between age, health, and well-being. The findings also indicated an increase in the number of adults who consider themselves adventurous, compared to previous generations.

• 75% of Gen X-ers (ages 45-60), 89% of Baby Boomers (ages 61-79), and 89% of the Silent Generation (ages 80-97) are more adventurous in older adulthood than their parents’ generation.
• 64% of adults try new things to keep active.
• 50% of adults are travelling more than their parents.
• 63% of adults travel one to three times per year.
• 32% of adults travel four to eight times per year.

In addition, the study also reveals how older generations perceive the concept of aging adventurously. 82% associate it with staying physically active and healthy, 81% with travelling and exploring, and 75% with continued learning and growth.

As ways to age adventurously, seniors over 50 reported some of the following activities:

🌱 Becoming a master gardener

✒️ Getting a tattoo

💼 Starting a business

✈️ Travelling independently after becoming widowed

🌕 Learning to play pickleball

🦜 Starting birdwatching

🕺 Taking dancing lessons

🎸 Learning to play the guitar

🛵 Riding a motorcycle

🌐 Learning a new language

💞 Starting internet dating

These study results confirm what many have suspected for a long time: being active is fundamental for anyone’s mental well-being. For seniors, it takes on a whole other level of importance. It’s essential to let them know how beneficial going outdoors, socializing, or travelling is, especially for many older people living alone and struggling with loneliness and social isolation.

Considering the most common health concerns for seniors, it might be easier for some than others, but there are ways around this. It’s certainly possible to enjoy an active aging lifestyle while protecting yourself from dangers.

At Best Reviews, we recommend starting this lifestyle change by teaming up with a friend and joining a senior travelling group.