Matt and Karen Smith in the Grand Canyon (via SWNS)nnIt’s American Adventures Month—and in a new survey of 2,000 Americans, over one-third reported that they’ve become more adventurous as they age.nnEven though 42 was deemed to be ‘the perfect age to go on an adventure’ (when averaging respondents’ answers), a huge majority still believed that ‘age is just a number’.nnIn fact, 83% agreed that no matter how old you are, you can always be adventurous–with the majority of baby boomers, Gen X, and millennials going on 4-5 trips per year.nnOne couple in their 60s has even become the ultimate role model for any adventuring empty-nesters, after having visited all 63 U.S. National Parks.nnThe Talker Research poll commissioned by Storyteller Overland also compiled some of the best advice for living a more adventurous life as you age (see the tips at the bottom)—but, let’s learn how Matt and Karen Smith pulled off their tour of every National Park within two years.nn16 years ago, their youngest son moved out of the house, and the couple—after losing friends and family of a similar age—eventually realized that ‘life is too short’.nn“All of a sudden, we realized our mortality,” said Karen. “We realized that we didn’t have to be home all the time and that if we wanted to visit all these national parks now was the time.”nn“Matt also has a new corporate job that he wasn’t particularly happy with.”nnMatt said they started off by visiting national parks close to their home in Seattle, Washington.nnKaren and Matt Smith in Glacier National Park, Montana (via SWNS)nn“We did not buy an RV to travel around the country, we either drove from Seattle or flew.”nnThey both agreed that one of their favorites was Yellowstone—for its “epic views”.nn“Yellowstone is incredible. We are seeing bison, which is the emblem of North America and you can look out your car window and see a grisly bear with its cubs, or wolves. It is one of the most unique experiences I have ever had.”nnAnother favorite for Matt was floating down the Colorado River, through the Grand Canyon.nn“It was a once in a lifetime experience, seeing the canyon from the bottom and spending 16 days on the river. It is just you, your team, and your friends. We were at peace with nature.”nnNEED TO GET AWAY?10 Places Perfect for Remote Workers–And Some Will Pay You Thousands to Move TherennPreviously, Matt and Karen would usually vacation in Europe, but Karen said visiting the national parks has allowed them to fall in love with a different side of America.nn“We had almost seen every country in Europe but we never really saw what was in our own back yard. Before we did this, we wouldn’t have been able to name all the national parks—and now we’ve visited them. It is such a life changing experience.”nnAMERICANS’ BEST ADVICE FOR LIVING A MORE ADVENTUROUS LIFEn
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“You’re only as young as you feel.”
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“Try something different. Something you never would have thought you would do.”
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“Look inside yourself and decide what you would probably not do, unless you give yourself permission, yet something you have dreamed of doing. Then take steps to do it.”
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“Go for it—and take lots of photos to put on an Echo show on your kitchen counter so you will see them every day and look back for many years to come.”
