4 Reasons Why Seniors Should Start Metal Detecting
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 30 million adults aged 50 and older admit to being inactive. Physical activity can help manage and even prevent many chronic health conditions. However, many seniors fall victim to physical inactivity despite these benefits.
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Metal detecting provides a safe, low-intensity option for seniors wanting to increase their physical activity.
Although there are many benefits to be gained by metal detecting as a senior, here are 4 reasons why seniors should pick up metal detecting as a new hobby.
Health And Exercise
According to the CDC, adults, 50 and older not in long-term care facilities spend over $850 billion each year on healthcare, collectively. Also, 80% of the most expensive chronic health conditions to treat can be managed or prevented with appropriate exercise, thus lowering medical bills.
As previously mentioned, metal detecting for exercise is a great, low-intensity hobby and doesn’t require running or any other motion that can be overly strenuous on the body. As you practice your new hobby, you are indeed to walk a few miles and work several muscle groups before ever realizing it.
Socialization
During retirement, you may enjoy the quiet, alone time your new schedule allows you to have. Eventually, you may start growing stir-crazy in your house without a real schedule, as many seniors claim happens. Depression is also a common concern among seniors due to social isolation and other factors. Joining in on a group activity could be just what the doctor ordered.
If you find yourself needing more social interaction, join a metal detecting group. Many communities have local clubs and groups that host activities such as metal detecting. Joining one of these groups can be a great way to socialize and make new friends with similar interests.
Bond With Grandchildren
Many kids love outdoor adventures, and going metal detecting with your grandkids could be the perfect opportunity to bond with them. Metal detecting will also give you and your grandkids an excuse to get outside and get some fresh air and vitamin D. Depending on what you find on your adventure, you may be able to teach them about the older items you find.
Make Some Pocket Change
If you metal detect long enough and in the right areas, you may be able to find some valuables worth pawning or selling. While it’s not super likely you’ll find items worth hundreds of dollars, you may be able to scavenge up enough items to make some decent pocket change so that you can sell your metal detecting finds.
However, you may come across a tiny fortune because artifacts such as ancient shipwreck coins, pirate treasure caches, and even George Washington’s inaugural cuff buttons have been found during metal detecting scavenges.
Knowing when and where to look by researching a location can certainly impact the amount of goodies that you will bring home after each excursion.
Best Places To Go Metal Detecting
When finding a place to go metal detecting, you’ll want to make sure there aren’t any restrictions. In other words, you’ll want to be sure you’ll be able to keep your findings as your own. Fortunately, most public areas won’t have any such restrictions.
Public parks, creeks and rivers, beaches, camping grounds, athletic fields, fairgrounds, and even your own backyard can be excellent places to start your new hobby.
Equipment Needed To Get Started
You can invest in your new hobby as much or as little as you’d like. You can get started with just a simple metal detector such as the Garrett Ace 250 for right around $200.
Garrett Ace 250
If you are searching for artifacts on an archaeological site or if you are just looking for that buried treasure in your backyard, you can do it with the ACE 250 metal detector!
However, if you’d like a more advanced approach, you could purchase shovels in various sizes, a pinpointer, knee pads, and of course something to carry your newly found treasures in, such as a backpack.
When out metal detecting, you’ll also want to make sure you have enough water for your trip and wear appropriate clothing, sunscreen, and bug spray if needed. Metal detecting is a fun hobby, but one should always be prepared.
Conclusion
At first, metal detecting may not seem like a beneficial activity for seniors. However, as you can see, there are many benefits to metal detecting in your later years. In addition to the many benefits, metal detecting can simply be a fun way to enjoy those golden years.
