I’ll be blunt: there are a lot of old people into naturism.
That’s okay. We want people of all shapes, sizes, and ages to visit nudist resorts. The elderly are just as welcome as anyone else. However, the ratio of older adults to younger adults is concerning and indicates that naturism may be dying.
According to British Naturism, the average member is 60 years old. There are indeed younger adults participating in naturism, but it’s not as common.
There are several reasons why some seniors find naturism appealing:
1. Freedom and Liberation:
Naturism provides a sense of freedom and liberation from societal norms and expectations.
As people age, they may become more comfortable with their bodies and less concerned about judgment.
2. Body Positivity:
Naturism promotes body positivity and self-acceptance.
Older adults may appreciate the opportunity to embrace their bodies without shame or criticism.
3. Connection to Nature:
Naturists often seek a closer connection to nature.
Being naked outdoors allows individuals to feel more in tune with the natural world.
4. Social Interaction:
Naturist communities offer social interaction and a sense of belonging.
Seniors may enjoy meeting like-minded people and participating in group activities.
5. Health Benefits:
Sun exposure can provide vitamin D, which is essential for bone health.
Naturists often spend time outdoors, benefiting from fresh air and sunlight.
6. Reduced Stress:
Being in a relaxed, non-judgmental environment can reduce stress and promote overall well-being.
Remember that naturism is a personal choice, and not all older adults are interested in practicing it. Everyone’s reasons for embracing naturism may vary, but the common thread is a desire for authenticity, acceptance, and connection with others and nature.
I sometimes meet college students and young families at naturist parks and events. Young people also appreciate the freedom, body positivity, and sense of community that naturism offers. It’s a way for them to connect with nature, embrace their bodies, and foster acceptance.
Some adults may even bring their children along. Naturists believe that children can benefit from naturism by developing a positive body image, a natural curiosity, and a respect for diversity. However, the time between eight and ten years old seems to be when children start becoming more self-conscious about nudity and may begin shielding their eyes or wearing more clothing.
I suspect that older children and teens – even those growing up naked – will turn away from nudism. I understand why teenagers wouldn’t be interested in walking around naked considering their raging hormones and changing bodies. That’s okay. Nobody should be forced to be nude at home or engage in naturism. What we can do is make nudity normal and give our kids space to be themselves. I’m very pro clothing-optional and think children should be allowed to express themselves with the clothes they wear (or not to wear).
We (and by we I mean naturist parks) also need to continue to make naturism attractive to teens and young adults. It’s important that they have people their age to interact with, talk to, and have fun together. I’m afraid if we don’t naturism will die, and we will continue the spiral of body shame and sexual immorality in our culture.
To get more young people interested in naturism, we should:
1. Encourage participation in online naturist communities and incorporate naturism education in schools.
2. Combine naturism with eco-friendly activities like beach cleanups.
3. Welcome everyone regardless of background or identity.
4. Highlight naturism’s positive impact on body image and well-being. 🌿🌞🌱
Do you have any idea on how to get young people involved in naturism? If so, drop a comment below. We’d love to hear from you!
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