Years of research have revealed that RVing offers many physical and mental health benefits to living an active outdoor lifestyle, and two new research reports explore how those benefits can help children We have demonstrated that it extends to
“Recent research shows that new RV enthusiasts are younger and more diverse than ever before, turning to RVing as a way to connect with nature and relieve stress,” said Craig Kirby, president and CEO of the RV Industry Association. I knew I was making a choice.” “These new studies show that the physical and mental health benefits of outdoor recreation extend to children.”
According to the KOA 2024 Camp & Outdoor Hospitality Report on Outdoors and Wellness, campers with children say spending time outdoors improves their children’s mental well-being, relationships, and physical health . These findings support those found in a previous study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, which found that exposure to the outdoor natural environment during childhood can lead to physical, mental, and It has been shown to be important for cognitive development throughout the lifespan.
The IKEA Play Report 2024, a global survey of 7,000 parents and children, found that “kids are being less physically active and spending more time indoors.” Most families spend a significant portion of their daily lives indoors, often in front of a screen. ” The report goes on to say, “The world faces unprecedented health, social and ecological challenges and intense global competition. This pressure has serious consequences in the form of decreased well-being and mental health.” Both emotionally and physically.”
In fact, a study in the International Journal found that children’s increasingly indoor and sedentary lifestyles are associated with “undesirable behaviors, lower self-esteem, poor concentration, poor psychological well-being, and poor quality of life.” It is associated with “decreased quality of life and physical health.” The group claims that adults’ mental health has significantly deteriorated as a result.
The health benefits of nature, it goes on to say, are “reduced air pollution.” Increased physical activity such as walking and cycling. Reducing anxiety and stress promotes mental recovery. ”
“This data comes as no surprise to RV owners who grew up camping in their parents’ or grandparents’ RVs,” Kirby added. “Not only do they value the countless benefits their children receive from spending time outdoors, but they also experience the deepening family bonding that goes on an RV trip together.”
The latter fact was revealed in the KOA survey by 93% of respondents who agreed that camping strengthens family relationships. According to an IKEA study, parents’ top priority for emotional play is “having fun together as a family.”
“IKEA’s findings also show that ‘creating memories together’ is a top priority for parents, which is driving second- and third-generation RV buyers. There’s no doubt about it,” Kirby said.
