Van Life Freedom: Living Off $1500 Social Security in a 1991 Conversion Van

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  • Опубліковано 19 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 317

  • @bocadelcieloplaya3852
    @bocadelcieloplaya3852 9 місяців тому +233

    This guy is living better than most retired peeps stuck in their house/apartment stressing over making ends meet every month. Good on him.

    • @richwood7960
      @richwood7960 9 місяців тому +8

      Brian is The Best !! 👌

    • @andrewminjiras5745
      @andrewminjiras5745 9 місяців тому +6

      Right on…I agree completely.

    • @dianesilverstein6475
      @dianesilverstein6475 9 місяців тому +13

      Just like me & my husband. Seriously, considering a van. Too expensive to rent an apartment being on a fixed income.

    • @signintoconfirm6168
      @signintoconfirm6168 9 місяців тому +5

      I don't make that much working full time and can barely afford the most modest of apartments. (read: cheap and moldy). This guy must come from a very rich place if they can pay people that much for not working.

    • @butchieblock9118
      @butchieblock9118 9 місяців тому +6

      Good for him! Not everybody has a home they bought 30 years ago and lots of money to fling around! And that includes me.

  • @abdulwakeel5598
    @abdulwakeel5598 9 місяців тому +88

    I was out working at a job site and I came across a horse farm and I seen a camper parked in the yard. I went and got the number and asked the guy about it and he let me look inside and it was toast. So he had a 1997 Ford chasiss 36 feet motorhome with tandem axle 7.1 liter engine. So I looked in it and asked him about the price and he said just call tomorrow and he'll have a price and all the info. I call the next day and he said it's his late brother and his brother would want someone to enjoy it and he said just come get it towed and I can have it. I went there and put a battery in it and it fired right up. It needed the brake system bleed out and it only had 49k miles. This just goes to show it's some really good people out here. I just bought some land in Florida and I'll be parking on my land as a homebase. Will have a well and solar panels working everything.

  • @nancycain4434
    @nancycain4434 9 місяців тому +143

    Rich sounds so happy. He's got a really nice setup there. Thanks for introducing us to him Bob. Everybody have safe travels out there

    • @donwasser7252
      @donwasser7252 6 місяців тому

      That's the way to enjoy your retirement

  • @nathanmadonna9472
    @nathanmadonna9472 8 місяців тому +5

    Nice to see some fellow Americans who aren't greedy. Good examples of human spirit. Very encouraging.🙂

  • @shiralleehaggart72
    @shiralleehaggart72 9 місяців тому +114

    I prefer this channel with Bob Wells because he visits some inspirational people like this gentleman and the best thing is that each person Bob interviews is they do not try to keep up with others on trends etc they sometimes have built out their own vans and do not come across as being show offs either. Best wishes you Rich and safe journey on your travels. Also keep up the good work Bob with your excellent channel 👍

    • @susie9893
      @susie9893 9 місяців тому +8

      Yeah, he does real people living on the road

    • @KelleySamHarvey
      @KelleySamHarvey 5 місяців тому +1

      I agree! Bob, his interviewees, and Rich are awesome! 😊

  • @scottfree8726
    @scottfree8726 9 місяців тому +68

    Bob Wells thank you for what you do. Your show continues to remind me daily that I have options, No one ever needs to fear being homeless. The fact is it may be the best thing for many people.

    • @donwyates
      @donwyates 9 місяців тому +16

      If I may chime in, I think I fit that description. Just about the time I was getting close to retirement, the algorithm(?) served up one of CRVL's videos. It was, somewhat painfully, obvious that housing costs were going to be out of reach on Soc. Sec., So for me, it was perfect timing. I love nomad life - it's not all roses, for sure. But it can be quite therapeutic. An added benefit: as an introvert, the few human interactions I've had while on the road, have been much more interesting and welcome. Quality over quantity maybe? 🤔

    • @KelleySamHarvey
      @KelleySamHarvey 5 місяців тому

      I am in the same boat, living on a fixed income. Am here searching for options at living a quality life at 64. Let's talk! ❤

  • @janetkoball44
    @janetkoball44 9 місяців тому +70

    A very happy man. And full of energy to go and see what he wants. I wish him the best.

  • @aprillucas-boyle222
    @aprillucas-boyle222 9 місяців тому +82

    I’m happy he picked you for the van! Can see you’re really benefiting and appreciative and happy!

  • @gogogg4610
    @gogogg4610 9 місяців тому +21

    How is Bob still looking the same age as when I 1st subscribed to this channel?! I would say he's happy & loving life!!

  • @WandaHopewandering
    @WandaHopewandering 9 місяців тому +53

    OMG. Loved this! His attitude could be infectious! I need a van.

  • @cliffordmeberg1443
    @cliffordmeberg1443 9 місяців тому +25

    Here’s the one most important thing that will cost the most for people that are living this way. The cost to repair and or replace the vehicle. So it’s most important for everyone to be living on as little as possible and to save as much as possible to make sure that you will have the money to pay for repairs and or replacement of your vehicle.

    • @lgDukeCity5018
      @lgDukeCity5018 9 місяців тому +9

      @cliffordmeberg
      Not just the money to repair your vehicle but money for a place to stay while repairs are being done.

    • @k-mac5511
      @k-mac5511 8 місяців тому +3

      Good point. Build it in your budget. Always have an emergency fund in place.

  • @richwood7960
    @richwood7960 9 місяців тому +40

    ❤❤❤Hi everyone it's me in the video, Rich Wood 😂 I love this Life come join me !!! 😊🎉😂❤

    • @cabracove
      @cabracove 9 місяців тому +2

      Cheers, buddy. Looks like its all going your way. I stay on the coast North of the bay area, Canada/Alaska in the summer. Sometimes Utah early spring when it's still chilly. Can't deal with heat. I have considered Qtz in the winter though when its not the time a bunch of people are there. People aren't my thing. Take care and safe travels

    • @KelleySamHarvey
      @KelleySamHarvey 5 місяців тому

      Planning on it, Rich! ❤

  • @cotter9751
    @cotter9751 9 місяців тому +54

    This guy is an inspiration, and an example! ❤

    • @roberthutchins4297
      @roberthutchins4297 9 місяців тому +1

      Hamburger, too.
      I once met his brother.Larry. Lives in a dustcart in Hohokum.. He's an inspiration too. Gets by on $ 25 a month. . Not a lot of lobster.

    • @nnesechuksorjiyoung2255
      @nnesechuksorjiyoung2255 9 місяців тому +1

      I smiled watching the whole video

    • @bnyob3463
      @bnyob3463 8 місяців тому

      So smart!

  • @elcubanito2442
    @elcubanito2442 9 місяців тому +17

    Please God let me have the spirit and health of this awesome gentleman when I reach his age.

  • @joevil6259
    @joevil6259 9 місяців тому +11

    For those interested in costs. End December 2023 I completed my goal of travelling to all the lower 48 states in five years. I travelled in a Ram Promaster Cargo Van. Since I'm also retired and has to watch my dollars, do I keep daily record of my expenses. Doesn't matter how small, it gets written down. On Sundays do I add it up and also by the end of the month. So I have a pretty good idea by now what this lifestyle costs. Expenses have just skyrocketed the last +- two years but I reckon that you can live quite comfortably on $1500 pm IF your vehicle is mechanically sound and you stay at least 14 days in a spot i.e don't spend too much on gas AND too much time in towns/ cities near the stores. The last part is where the money really flies out of your pocket. Stay away. Since Rich is retired and over 65 does he qualify for Medicare. That helps a lot. I'm not 65 yet so I use United Healthcare ( $365 pm) .As far as eating is concerned. Mind over matter and an iron will is key i.e Walk into the grocery store for a bread, walk out with only a bread. I'm still working on that and hope to have it down in another ten years or so.

  • @thisvanlifeofmine
    @thisvanlifeofmine 9 місяців тому +17

    I'm glad Rich got the van, great story of how Van Life is helping us seniors survive out here.

  • @larrysouthern5098
    @larrysouthern5098 8 місяців тому +1

    That's a nice rig.....
    I love this model...
    Press on !!!
    Live Free...
    America 🇺🇸

  • @Kimberley_Black_White_TV
    @Kimberley_Black_White_TV 6 місяців тому +3

    It's been a long time since I've seen someone this damn happy! Does my heart good.

  • @msvg3
    @msvg3 9 місяців тому +9

    I love Brian. He’s a straight-up good person. It’s no mystery to me how Brian chose Rich. He also seems to be a solid person! Blessings on you both. ✌️❤️🚐

  • @bajahank1
    @bajahank1 9 місяців тому +31

    Glad to finally see a video tour of the van Brain gave to Rich. Some of the best people mentioned in that video.

  • @PJ-yp3vb
    @PJ-yp3vb 9 місяців тому +26

    Something to be said about Freedom and dignity of independent living

  • @einzgeisha
    @einzgeisha 9 місяців тому +4

    Everything Mr. Rich said makes sense. I am worried about the costs that as we age and grow up that there is not a limit at a specific age. We work hard for our incomes, but apparently cost of living rises too fast for any of us to live. I'm grateful that Mr. Rich shared us his insight and everything he learned to teach us. Definitely a cautionary tale and that another plus for nomadic living!

  • @headinghome1644
    @headinghome1644 9 місяців тому +14

    Adventure Van Man is a very kind man.

  • @AdventureVanMan
    @AdventureVanMan 9 місяців тому +47

    Glad to see you still out there Rich! Keep on truckin'✌🏼

    • @justlucky13
      @justlucky13 9 місяців тому +6

      Rich was a great choice for your old van
      Sure would like to see a update video of your Dodge van and how he is doing.
      Peace

    • @noreenn6976
      @noreenn6976 9 місяців тому +7

      Great to see your old van is still on the road.

  • @sherryjobe8941
    @sherryjobe8941 9 місяців тому +17

    Wow.
    Such an amazing gentleman.
    He gives us all Hope.
    My husband and I are in our mid 60’s.
    He is disabled.
    We are debt free, but with inflation rising we could be right here.
    You never know from day to day what could happen.
    Bless this man for sharing his Life.

    • @signintoconfirm6168
      @signintoconfirm6168 9 місяців тому +1

      And I will work full time until my death and never be as well off as you. I pay all of my wages to rent a moldy little apartment and go hungry most days. What was it like when you worked full time?

    • @GwynneJenkins
      @GwynneJenkins 8 місяців тому

      ​😅

    • @angelaschaefer5883
      @angelaschaefer5883 8 місяців тому

      You are in the same situation my husband and I are in. He is disabled and has dementia. I am his caregiver. We go to food pantry when things are really bad. I buy nutrition drinks at the dollar store. On days where there is not much to eat. I have gotten sick before with anemia. ICU is not place I want to be again. I wished I had something more to help you. But unfortunately those are the only options I have.

  • @DavidJohnson-ff4li
    @DavidJohnson-ff4li 9 місяців тому +6

    Glad Brian gave him this van. He appreciates it and proud of it 👏

  • @noreenn6976
    @noreenn6976 9 місяців тому +6

    Nice to meet the person who was gifted Brian's van.

  • @davidfairfield651
    @davidfairfield651 8 місяців тому +3

    I too did my resrsrch for a few 2:43 years though i had this planned back in my early 20's, im 54 now. Im fulltime in a 95 G20, bought it for a grand and dumped thoudands into it brcause it sat for 10yrs but it only had 52,000 original miles on it so it was worth it. A lot had to be replaced, almost everything less the motor and trsnsmission. I live on the cheap with a very generous paying job with many days off becauce i work 12hr shifts. Stay local on my scheduled days and travel to hike, kayak, raft and fish on my days off. Only thing missing is a dog. No gf, no drama just absolute freedom with little overhead financially. Lifes great and i wish i had done this earlier in life. This guy does exactly what i do for showers at the gym, thsnkfully i shower at work at my job too. This isnt for everyone, theres a lot of convienences thst you will sacrifice but again its worth it and im never broke, always have money. I encourage everyone to try it. ✌️

  • @lynnef3297
    @lynnef3297 9 місяців тому +35

    What a great story, I'm glad Rich is out there enjoying his life. I've followed Brian @ AdventureVanMan for years and remember when he was in that van. He's a great guy! 😊 Safe travels, Rich! 👍

    • @noreenn6976
      @noreenn6976 9 місяців тому +5

      Nice to meet the person he gifted the van to.

  • @sandytthomas2667
    @sandytthomas2667 9 місяців тому +24

    Thank you Guys🎉

  • @Xinjiang-o6q
    @Xinjiang-o6q 9 місяців тому +7

    Another happy camper living out his golden years enjoying life. Great van!

  • @fullpulse2000
    @fullpulse2000 9 місяців тому +23

    Great work Rich, take care and be safe.

  • @k.pacificnw02134
    @k.pacificnw02134 9 місяців тому +6

    I am 7 months into van life and no regrets. I'm 55 and work a part-time job so can't travel to
    quartzsite and make all the "best friends" that this fellow was talking about. : ) But maybe I will someday. I made a Facebook group for people who are doing van life in my town but It's a new group..

  • @TheAntHill184
    @TheAntHill184 9 місяців тому +3

    Thank you for all you do on UTube as well as all your other platforms etc.
    It’s HIGHLY appreciated.
    FINISH WELL!!

  • @nancyadamson6755
    @nancyadamson6755 9 місяців тому +20

    Good for you Rich, I did the same thing in 2022. I love this life and I also followed Bob Wells before I decided to change my life. I'm just south of Quartzite off 95 . Enjoy all your journeys all your adventures.

  • @arowberry
    @arowberry 9 місяців тому +3

    Yep. Me too sir for the last 7 years and I love it and plan to continue thru my 70s. Life is far more interesting this way. I am currently in a 2017 dodge grand caravan and love it.

  • @barbarab7702
    @barbarab7702 9 місяців тому +18

    I watch many of these videos, so many lovely people living this lifestyle. Rich is so positive and grateful, very inspiring. I wish him all the best.

  • @sylviavega-ortiz3006
    @sylviavega-ortiz3006 9 місяців тому +13

    More power to you, Rich. Happy trails!

  • @reliagility
    @reliagility 9 місяців тому +10

    Rich - you’ve figured it out! Really enjoyed the video.

  • @tja3495
    @tja3495 9 місяців тому +12

    Rich has what is needed, Thanks Bob. ☮

  • @Marlon_J
    @Marlon_J 9 місяців тому +6

    He has such an interesting story and bright personality. I hope people who know him encourage him to start his own UA-cam channel. I know many of us would follow him. He sounds like he would have lots of great and interesting stories to tell.

  • @asktheanimals
    @asktheanimals 9 місяців тому +16

    Aww, kitty in the sunshine. 😻
    Some great info in this video. Thanks! 🎶🎵

  • @k.pacificnw02134
    @k.pacificnw02134 9 місяців тому +3

    Bob is right when he says "everyone wants to know. how you go to the bathroom." People who are researching van life want to know the nitty gritty and Bob is right.

  • @Rlaplante73
    @Rlaplante73 9 місяців тому +6

    Great meeting up with you. Living the dream life through simplicity ... keeping expenses down so you don't have to be tied to a job in your retirement years. Continued success and health!

  • @ItzAllOrNothin
    @ItzAllOrNothin 9 місяців тому +7

    Thats a really nice van and was so kind of Brian to gift it to you❤
    That's exactly what my husband and I are looking for to start our adventures. We also live off Social Security and understand how hard it can be to make ends meet. We live with family at the moment and we're looking for an affordable home on wheels but haven't had any luck yet.
    Have fun on your adventures!!🎉

  • @laurae6658
    @laurae6658 9 місяців тому +5

    I AM GOING TO BE ON THE ROAD AND I HOPE I MEET THIS COOL GUY

  • @cynthiacrawford6147
    @cynthiacrawford6147 9 місяців тому +3

    He looks amazing and smart.

  • @donnasloane9031
    @donnasloane9031 9 місяців тому +3

    If anyone watching feels sorry for him..DON'T.... This is the happiest life..nice people mostly...freedom galore...cooking outside...fresh air....all solar if you like....quiet sleeping at night......do what you want...when you want.....meet Bob Wells if you are lucky.....have a dog...or gecko?...ha......wonderful wonderful life!

  • @akisenv
    @akisenv 9 місяців тому +5

    i liked this guy! for some reason he seems to be an old fashioned easy going type of man that rarely you see these days..

  • @micki777
    @micki777 9 місяців тому +10

    Fun interview! What an upbeat dude 🎉

  • @butchieblock9118
    @butchieblock9118 9 місяців тому +2

    Thank YOU for thinking about your cat!

  • @lgDukeCity5018
    @lgDukeCity5018 9 місяців тому +3

    I will be retiring soon and thought I would be in good shape. My sticks and bricks is paid off but with property taxes, homeowners' insurance and of course medical insurance, I will be priced out of my house within 5 years of retiring. This is happening all over the US and many cities, towns and states are enacting policies and laws against RVs and tiny homes or living on your own land. What do they think will happen. Massive houseless populations.

    • @lindacalderon6417
      @lindacalderon6417 9 місяців тому +2

      This is BY DESIGN. Klaus Schwab of the WEF "you will own nothing and be happy"

    • @sonicaftermath5776
      @sonicaftermath5776 9 місяців тому +1

      Van revolution!!!

  • @фредерикмиз
    @фредерикмиз 9 місяців тому +1

    This is becoming a phenomenon today!!
    rents, tax's and expences are out of control, Rich has the smarts to go far too.
    Be safe, All the best 👍

  • @Buck_Jones1909
    @Buck_Jones1909 9 місяців тому +2

    I think Bob interviewed Wondervanman when he was in this rig? What wonderful gesture to gift the van to Rich! Thank you both for once again confirming the availability of “A Life Worth Living!”.

  • @mtnshelby7059
    @mtnshelby7059 8 місяців тому +1

    I admire people who can lead the nomadic lifestyle. I'd last one season.

  • @varneydavid6940
    @varneydavid6940 9 місяців тому +3

    Very positive guy there Bob I love hos energy 🎉

  • @briantodd4887
    @briantodd4887 2 місяці тому

    All retirees should watch this video. This guy doesn’t have too much but his demeanor is extremely rich. Kudos to him.

  • @MSSchub
    @MSSchub 9 місяців тому +2

    Nice that Brian gifted the van to you. Enjoy your travels.

  • @DonC-xk5in
    @DonC-xk5in 9 місяців тому +2

    “You can always say hi to me, it’s cool”
    ✊🏼

  • @amyd1549
    @amyd1549 9 місяців тому +9

    Bless us all.

  • @njanderson4342
    @njanderson4342 9 місяців тому +8

    Thanks Bob!

  • @sandyschneider6792
    @sandyschneider6792 9 місяців тому +7

    Good for you Rich. Enjoy life.

  • @justlucky13
    @justlucky13 9 місяців тому +3

    Thanks Bob
    Great van Rich I met Brian when he was in it still great guy looks like he chose the right person for it
    See you down the road
    Peace

  • @LRR-fr3xe
    @LRR-fr3xe 9 місяців тому +1

    I like him. He seems very intelligent 😊.

  • @fernwehchronicle
    @fernwehchronicle 9 місяців тому +4

    You are inspirational! Brian - you are awesome 💪

  • @porkchop1343
    @porkchop1343 9 місяців тому +2

    Dudes voice should be on the radio.

  • @neraksenoj2308
    @neraksenoj2308 9 місяців тому +5

    May God Bless you always, I will be praying for you.

  • @mikecarr1484
    @mikecarr1484 9 місяців тому +1

    I am buildinf my setup. Jeep and off road teardrop. All aluminum trailer. Total weight is ,650 lbs. Thats it. 18 inches of clearance. Independent trailer axles. 2200.00 in aluminum. Lots of hours.

  • @john-o1g9p
    @john-o1g9p 9 місяців тому +2

    i'm wired to have a home base. priced out of colo after 35 years selling and taking the buy out for 100 acres in tn. bringing a neighbor and his kids with me. new life, off grid homestead.

  • @JD-nb4rp
    @JD-nb4rp 9 місяців тому +7

    Learned a lot! Thank you

  • @kristenvincent3622
    @kristenvincent3622 9 місяців тому +2

    I swear bucket toilets are actually so much cleaner than most other options. Standard household toilets with their huge amounts of water wasted, rv and marine toilets that are less water but still gross. Composters and incinerators seem better than those, but if a $5 bucket does the job…

  • @jojofids
    @jojofids 9 місяців тому +6

    Really enjoyed this video

  • @c.reinhardt9679
    @c.reinhardt9679 6 місяців тому

    Bob you are AWESOME. You have started a very very good thing for people on a very tight budget. Thank you Bob this definitely was your calling , to help THOUSANDS of people living on little means!!!

  • @barronjackson5666
    @barronjackson5666 9 місяців тому +1

    😊that guy’s happiness made me happy !!

  • @tinkering123
    @tinkering123 9 місяців тому +2

    We all dig what Bob does. Hope to meet someday.

  • @elizabethhunter8481
    @elizabethhunter8481 8 місяців тому

    Rich is precious! He’s so happy and living his best life!!

  • @Louisiana1975
    @Louisiana1975 8 місяців тому +1

    I'm COMPLETELY ready to do this! I'm an Iraqi Vet with good income, just need a van. I have a prosthetic leg, so it would have to be a van tall enough to stand up. Love the channel!

  • @robertdknight
    @robertdknight 9 місяців тому +1

    So many nice people on this channel. Love it. Inspirational for sure.

  • @stephanywilkes3598
    @stephanywilkes3598 8 місяців тому

    I could listen to Rich talk ALL DAY. Did he used to work in radio?! Great attitude, great life, so glad you both brought it to us.

  • @robbehr8806
    @robbehr8806 9 місяців тому +1

    Very cool! The man is smart!

  • @meeganyoung8058
    @meeganyoung8058 8 місяців тому

    He was a great video!!! He seems like a very nice young at heart man. Just happy to be here and able to thrive and be alive.
    Not a whole lot to show but still a great video.

  • @donaldwarriner1640
    @donaldwarriner1640 9 місяців тому +1

    Your enthusiasm and positivity inspire me to follow in your footsteps someday soon.

  • @gabrielknights
    @gabrielknights 9 місяців тому +1

    Rich, I hope I'm as happy as you, when my time comes to get a van... bless you . Looking forward to seeing your edventures...

  • @brianleonard6885
    @brianleonard6885 9 місяців тому +1

    Boy do I Love Brian even more now !!!!!! Sir thanks for sharing ! Keep living and loving and spreading kindness as you are.🎉🎉🎉🎉❤🎉

  • @clubmike2910
    @clubmike2910 9 місяців тому +7

    Very nice set up, Not a bad retirement.

  • @MnAnnetteNS
    @MnAnnetteNS 9 місяців тому +1

    Another use for a Bluetti! Rock on LOL! Good luck Rich the man with a plan.

  • @SuperKat619
    @SuperKat619 9 місяців тому +2

    Another wonderful story about amazing person! Thank you

  • @EclecticEndeavorsbyDemi
    @EclecticEndeavorsbyDemi 9 місяців тому +1

    Brian "Adventure Van Man" is the best!

  • @vanguardvaluist2614
    @vanguardvaluist2614 9 місяців тому

    Really love how Rich’s energy shines and comes through. I doubt he would have such a satisfying life struggling to stay in his condo. Well done sir!

  • @ronaldhall2489
    @ronaldhall2489 9 місяців тому +1

    Enjoyed the video be safe and enjoy my friend

  • @DanyRivard
    @DanyRivard 9 місяців тому

    I'm in awe of people like Rich who live on just the basics. A model for me in my future retirement who wants to escape the cold of the Quebec winter.

  • @lisamillard1272
    @lisamillard1272 9 місяців тому +1

    Hi Rich thanks 😊 for sharing great lifestyle and hey Bob 👋 stay safe

  • @sandytthomas2667
    @sandytthomas2667 9 місяців тому +6

    Love you Bob.

  • @RussellNollenMusic
    @RussellNollenMusic 9 місяців тому +2

    Thank you for sharing this! ❤

  • @judyyoung297
    @judyyoung297 9 місяців тому +5

    Love this success story
    I am trying to
    Retire on the road someday ❤😊😊😊😊😊

  • @melanieyeager
    @melanieyeager 9 місяців тому

    Good luck Rich. Have a great time discovering new places!

  • @terencetyndall8596
    @terencetyndall8596 9 місяців тому

    I got to say he's happy as hell living life every glad to see it.

  • @sylviajones4907
    @sylviajones4907 9 місяців тому

    Great guy. Wonderful interview.
    Thanks, Bob!

  • @justdawndb
    @justdawndb 9 місяців тому +1

    I Love seeing another person living a fulfilling life! I hope i can get my shtuff together to do the same!

  • @wizerdjuice9589
    @wizerdjuice9589 9 місяців тому +2

    Careful with Planet Fitness they double bill so always check your statements. Also most health insurance for seniors has Silver sneakers which gives you free access to gyms.