- Mike and Jennifer Wendland embrace retirement by RVing to explore new places and cultures.
- Their travel blog and podcast seek to inspire others to consider the RV lifestyle.
- Experts say RVing helps retirees stay mentally sharp and build social connections.
SALT LAKE CITY — Retirement isn't about slowing down; it's about shifting into high gear for one adventurous couple.
Mike and Jennifer Wendland explained that RVing is a way to keep a part of their former lives as journalists alive.
"I was always on the road. I was always traveling," Mike Wendland said. "You finish up that story, and you go on, and you never really learn about the place or the people."
Now, there are no deadlines.
"Right now, I'm west of New Orleans in a place called Beau Bridges, Louisiana, in the heart of Cajun country," Mike Wendland said.
Just open roads and open possibilities.
"We're driving down a road, and we might see a sign that says, you know, 'Historic Fredericksburg.' Well, I don't know what Historic Fredericksburg is, so let's go see," Mike Wendland said.
The Michigan couple is part of a growing community of retirees embracing RV life. They started a travel blog, a YouTube channel and an RV podcast.
Experts say traveling benefits older adults in many ways, from staying mentally sharp to building new social connections.
"This helps reduce feelings of isolation," said Gabi Murza, an associate professor of health and wellness at Utah State University.
She said that this lifestyle also helps strengthen bonds with families.
"When they come home, they have great stories to share, and so that just adds to that conversation and feelings of closeness and togetherness," Murza said.
The Wendlands say if you're thinking about RVing, start small.
"Maybe rent one for a couple of days or a weekend," Mike Wendland said.
But, if your health is good, Mike Wendland says, go for it.
"We just did one with a group of 50 people. We traced the Mississippi River. We literally stepped across it up in northern Minnesota, and there was a 90-year-old guy on that trip who was as spry as can be," Mike Wendland said.
And he isn't slowing down. Next year, he's headed to his favorite destination – Utah's national parks.
"Utah is absolutely my favorite state of all of them. When people say, 'If i can only go one place, where is it?' I tell them, 'It's Utah,'" he said.
The Wendlands help guide others through the RV lifestyle, connecting them with resources and tips on how to get started. To follow their journey, click here.
