July 22nd, 2025
Why Travel Is the Best Investment You Can Make in Your Golden Years
What if the best return on your investment isn’t in stocks or property, but in your passport? For seniors who crave inspiration, enrichment, and a sense of wonder, travel is not just a pastime—it’s an investment in your well-being, your worldview, and your legacy.
At The Edward, where we celebrate a life well-lived, many of our residents find that travel offers an extraordinary avenue for self-expression, lifelong learning, and connection. In this blog, we explore why investing in travel is one of the wisest decisions you can make in your golden years.
Key Takeaways:
The enriching personal, emotional, and cognitive benefits of travel
Calgary-based travel clubs and opportunities for senior adventurers
Practical tips and trusted resources for planning your next journey
The Transformative Power of Travel in Later Life
Travel isn’t just about ticking off destinations; it’s a transformative experience that reawakens curiosity and creativity. According to a study published by the Global Coalition on Aging, travel can actually help seniors maintain cognitive function and emotional health well into later years (source).
Benefits include:
Stimulating the mind: New languages, cuisines, art, and landscapes spark cognitive engagement.
Emotional enrichment: Experiencing different cultures fosters empathy and emotional flexibility.
Renewed purpose: Setting travel goals or bucket-list aspirations can invigorate daily life.
Many of our residents at The Edward speak of their travels as personal milestones, where members recount journeys from the vineyards of Bordeaux to the temples of Kyoto.
Health Benefits of Travel: A Prescription for Longevity
Travel is a form of active living that comes with health perks supported by science. Moving through airports, walking historic streets, or joining a guided nature walk engages the body while the mind is occupied with novelty and delight.
Key health benefits include:
Boosted brain health: Challenging the brain with new experiences supports neural plasticity.
Improved heart health: Studies suggest that travel can reduce stress and lower the risk of heart disease (source).
Enhanced mobility: Gentle physical activities like exploring museums or gardens encourage movement.
For those who prefer staying local, The Edward offers wellness programs, yoga, and walking clubs—all excellent ways to stay travel-ready.
For another reason to pack your bags, a recent study shows that travel might just be a secret to aging gracefully, supporting both mental and physical vitality, explore the findings here.
Tailored Travel Experiences for the Cultured Senior
Luxury doesn’t always mean opulence; for many, it means comfort, cultural depth, and meaningful engagement. Here are curated travel styles that seniors particularly enjoy:
Cultural Tours: Explore art, history, and gastronomy with expert-led experiences.
River Cruises: Enjoy the convenience of unpacking once while exploring Europe’s great cities via the Danube or the Seine.
Wellness Retreats: Destinations focused on holistic wellness, such as spa retreats in British Columbia or yoga sanctuaries abroad.
Adventure Travel: For the spirited, guided safaris in Africa or walking tours in the Scottish Highlands offer adventure without compromising safety.
If you’re seeking guidance on how to travel with style, grace, and confidence, don’t miss our guide on 10 Things Every Elegant Explorer Must Know, a curated resource for the sophisticated traveller.
For those considering a journey by sea, we’ve explored why cruise travel remains a perfect option for seniors seeking both comfort and cultural discovery, uncover more in our blog Discover the Joy of Cruise Travel Tailored for Seniors.
Connecting with Fellow Explorers in Calgary
If you prefer to start your travel journey with local connections, Calgary offers several travel clubs and senior-focused groups like Seniors’ Outdoor Club of Calgary, perfect for those who enjoy exploring Alberta’s breathtaking landscapes. These clubs can be a wonderful complement to The Edward’s events, offering opportunities to connect with like-minded peers both within and beyond our residence.
Tips for Planning the Perfect Trip in Your Senior Years
Planning travel as a senior comes with considerations that ensure comfort and peace of mind. Here are practical tips:
Choose senior-friendly tour operators who offer paced itineraries.
Consult with a travel health clinic for necessary vaccinations or health advice.
Invest in comprehensive travel insurance tailored for seniors.
Opt for direct flights to reduce travel fatigue.
Pack light but smart, including necessary medications and mobility aids if required.
For more advice on safe senior travel regarding mental health, this guide by the Government of Canada offers valuable insights.
The Edward: Your Home Base for Enrichment
Whether you’re exploring the globe or discovering hidden gems in Alberta, The Edward remains a sanctuary of comfort, connection, and curiosity. Investing in travel is ultimately investing in yourself. Each journey offers more than sights and souvenirs—it brings growth, joy, and stories worth sharing. At The Edward, we believe that life should be a continuous exploration, whether that means crossing continents or discovering something new right here in Calgary.
At The Edward, we believe that the spirit of travel can be experienced both near and far — even from the comfort of home. That’s why once a month, we host a special Travel Presentation and International Tasting event. Each session spotlights a different country, pairing an engaging travel video presentation with a tasting menu inspired by that destination’s cuisine.
It’s a journey for the senses — sights, sounds, and flavours — and has become one of the most popular events among our residents. Whether we’re savouring the spices of Morocco or the delicate pastries of France, these events spark conversation, curiosity, and connection within our community.
Discover more about living a life of enrichment and elegance at The Edward. Let us welcome you home—before and after your journeys.
And for more insights into how our current residents at the Edward value the traveling experience, discover more personal reflections and inspirations in another of our featured blogs here.
Continue your journey here
Looking to take the next step or simply stay connected? Here are a few helpful links:
Contact us – We’re happy to answer any questions you may have.
Book a tour – Come experience our community in person.
Check out events at The Edward - From seasonal markets to art showings, there’s always something inspiring happening here.
Visit our YouTube channel – See daily life, special moments, expert interviews and resident stories in action.
About The Edward:
Nestled in the heart of Calgary, The Edward is a luxury retirement living community where comfort, independence, and cultural enrichment come together in perfect harmony. Here, every day is thoughtfully designed to support a personalized lifestyle—one that celebrates your passions, priorities, and sense of self. With curated five-star dining, wellness-focused amenities, concierge and chauffeur services, vibrant social connections, and more, The Edward provides more than just retirement living—it offers a meaningful way of life. Experience a refined, worry-free lifestyle where your next chapter unfolds with grace, warmth, and endless possibility. Managed by Optima Living, a trusted operator with over 15 years of experience in Western Canada, The Edward is built on a legacy of warmth, respect, and purposeful living.
