Rolling Through the Years: Aging Gracefully on the Road

When we launched into fulltime travel our oldest was 18 and not about to join us on a crazy adventure.... so she moved out. Ready or not to take on the world.

So we left our home in California for the great unknown with a BIG van, a 30 ft travel trailer with no slides and 6 out of our seven children ages 13-1 (yes. we may have been a bit crazy - but who isn't at least a little bit).

But that's not what this blog is about.

Our oldest daugter came home to the camper a few times trying to sort out life. In 2017 she came home pregnant. We settled in and did what family does. We made choices to help her and our sweet grandbaby.

We traveled for almost 3 years with her and our grandbaby on board (yep. add it up - That's a lot of people in the same living space) but by then we had upgraded to a 38' 5th wheel and on moving days we still had a 2nd vehicle so we could stop as needed. Our youngest was 5 by then.

By the time our 2 youngest kids were 7 & 10 there were A LOT more nomadic families than when we started this journey.

The young moms could also be judgemental and hurtful - something I wasn't expecting. In fact, by this point a lot of my friends were at least 10 years younger than me because I have a 17 year gap between my kids, making it hard to create meaningful connections.

One day by the pool a mom in her 30's with several friends said to her friend and their kids.... "c'mon guys, leave them alone (to my kids) you can see they are hanging out with their grandma today".

Despite my tired eyes, it had never occurred to me that I could be old enough to be their grandma (I was in my mid 40's by then)

At 52, I often find myself reflecting on how quickly life has flown by. My youngest kids are now 13 and 15, and with a granddaughter turning 8 this summer, I definitely tick the boxes of being a grandma.

Yet, when someone calls me "grandma," it catches me off guard—like I blinked and suddenly became someone’s elder! It’s a reminder that age is just a number; I still feel youthful and excited about life. That same enthusiasm drives me to help others through Learn to RV, where we empower adventurers of all ages to embrace the joy of RV life and create unforgettable memories on the road.

Connections can feel harder to forge these days, especially as many people "my" age embrace the empty nester lifestyle while we’re still packing the RV with our three of our seven kids.

It’s a bit of a shock, right? We’re on the road, actively seeking out friendships, nurturing the bonds we have, and exploring new ones as fellow RVers come and go.

After 12 years of nomadic travel we definitely understand that building a community is essential for full-time RV families like ours. We’re committed to sharing tips and tricks not just for hitting the open road but for creating lasting connections along the way.

Tonight, a little girl called me grandma, and it struck me how strange it is to embrace this new label. While I’m 52, I often feel younger—my ‘subjective age’ doesn’t quite align with the numeral.

My grandma used to say she felt 25 inside, and although I might not feel that youthful, I definitely don’t see myself as a typical 52-year-old. Many of my friends, spanning ages 40 to 75, share this vibrant outlook on life.

Aging is undeniably a privilege—something I cherish deeply, especially knowing my dad didn’t have that chance. but I do believe that, like age, every journey is unique and should be embraced with enthusiasm and curiosity.

Well, if you're older and encounter a younger family on their RV journey, it's essential to offer a little grace. They might be prioritizing their lives differently than you did, and that's perfectly okay.

Why not take the opportunity to connect?

Sit down with them, share stories, work on a puzzle, do a craft, or play a fun game. You'll find that many incredible seniors we've met on the road bring the warmth and wisdom of extra aunts and uncles that every family needs. We believe in building a community that spans generations—let's learn and grow together on this adventure!

Traveling as a younger family can sometimes feel like navigating through a minefield, especially when you encounter seniors who might view you as 'the other team.'

Yet, amidst these generational gaps, it's important to remember that older parents and grandparents often find themselves in uncharted territory, raising their children on the road or even their grandkids and seeking connections.

I would like to encourage you to be mindful of your words and interactions; you never know who might be yearning for a connection or a shared adventure. By fostering understanding and kindness, you not only enrich your family's travel experience but also bridge the gap, making memories that resonate across generations.

After all, all the kids, both theirs & yours, could benefit from these friendships too!