Senior Living News

What Do You Need?

To get started with this activity, you need:

• An adventurous spirit and willingness to make it fun. You'll be traveling to areas in your city (or wherever else you are) to find hidden caches. There's nothing of serious value to be found, but some people do leave small charms or other things you can take as a souvenir. It's more about the adventure itself and the bragging rights associated with finding a cache.
• A smartphone. Most people use apps to find out about caches near them and smartphone GPS technology to help them find the cache.
• Safe walking shoes. Some caches are literally right off the road or on the side of a parking lot. Others are located down walking or hiking paths, in the middle of fields or in other locations that require you to walk. Closed-toed, comfortable walking shoes are a good idea.

If you require the use of a mobility device, such as a cane or walker, you'll want to have it with you as you explore for geocaches. It's a good idea to have some water to drink, and you might want a notebook so you can keep a record of your cache-finding outings.

How Do You Geocache?

To get started geocaching, you'll need to download a geocaching app. A popular option is Geocaching from Groundspeak, which is available for Apple and Android phones. Some features that make this app a good choice include:

• Helpful walkthroughs and tips for your first few geocache trips
• The ability to message others for hints and tips
• Map and driving directions to help you find cache locations
• The ability to log some information so you can track your progress in finding caches
• A live search feature that checks for geocaches near where you are so you can enter an adventure anytime

You can also search the app store for other geocaching apps if you prefer to find a different option. Once you download an app, you can look for caches near your home or a specific location, such as Bethesda Gardens assisted living community in Phoenix.

Then, you're off. Follow the instructions to travel to the cache site. Read the clues for the cache location and start hunting. Some caches are easier to find than others. Some require you to think a bit outside the box.

Caches can be somewhat large — the size of a shoebox, for example — or quite small. Some micro caches are around the size of a screw and only have a little scroll of paper in them to let you know you found them.

Is Geocaching Safe for Older Adults?

Geocaching can be a safe and rewarding activity for people of all ages, but you may need to apply some common sense. Some tips for helping to ensure safety if you take up this activity include:

• Being aware of your surroundings. If you are traveling to a geocache and feel like it isn't in a safe area, don't feel forced to try to find the cache. Listen to your gut and stick to cache sites you feel safe exploring.
• Keep your limitations in mind. There are plenty of caches that don't require major hikes or physical activity like climbing. If you suspect a cache is located in an area that might be beyond your physical capability to reach, pick another cache to find.
• Geocache with others. Adventures are better with friends, and it's definitely safer to go exploring when you're not on your own. Find a geocaching partner or get a group together to do weekly or monthly geocache adventures. You can make a day of it by getting brunch or lunch out or ending the adventure with drinks and conversation.
• Stick to locations that have cell phone coverage. This is especially important if you do decide to geocache on your own. Remain in areas where your smartphone works so you have access to maps and GPS to reduce the chance that you get lost and can also call for help if you need it.
• Protect yourself from the environment. Wear sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat to reduce the risk of sunburn. If you're geocaching in wooded areas or fields with tall grass, consider wearing pants or using bug spray to help keep biting or stinging pests away from your skin.

Geocaching can be a super-fun activity you can do with friends or family like grandkids. You don't need much to get started, so if this activity sounds appealing, download an app and start your first adventure soon.

‍