Why older women are embracing the open road

“The four women highlighted in the study, two in their sixties and two in their seventies, exemplify a willingness to break away from what might be expected of women in that age group and redefine what’s possible,” she said.

The study is part of Yates’s wider PhD research examining the experiences, health and social needs of women travellers from the ‘grey nomad’ population. Many women, despite chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease, report better wellbeing, with less stress and improved health due to the travelling lifestyle.

One of the case studies, Vivian*, in her mid-sixties, has been living on the road for nine years. She said a discovery scuba dive in Far North Queensland was the catalyst to sell her business, rent out her house and take off on adventure. “The best choice I ever made,” she said.

After decades of running a small business seven days a week, she was keen for a change. “I knew it wouldn’t be easy and I knew there’d be hurdles and tough times,” she said. “That probably made me even more determined.”

Yates said the decision to start a new life on the road takes courage and resolve, and is often made in the face of considerable opposition from friends and family, who question whether the women can manage alone.

Solo female travellers often develop informal networks at campgrounds and rest stops, sharing tips, stories, and support. The women said they generally felt very safe. They also felt a great sense of achievement, and many shared their adventures on social media.