Elderhostel : hosting a program to include the enrollment of local residents

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the idea of offering the Elderhostel program to senior residents of the area where the host institution is located. It was thought that such a program would be of interest to those senior citizens who are either unwilling or unable to travel several hundred miles in order to participate in an Elderhostel program. Such a program - the university atmosphere, "no stress" courses of interest, and social contact with others who have travelled from various parts of Canada and the United States - might have an appeal to those for whom travel is a limiting factor. A questionnaire was designed and distributed to 217 senior residents of the Halifax area. A study of the information received from the returned questionnaires was made in order to determine the amount of interest in a local Elderhostel program, the main reasons for such an interest, and the priorities and preferences of the respondents regarding courses and activities offered, attendance, accommodations, cost, and scheduling of courses. An examination of relevant literature looks at the increasing need for educational programs for the elderly, and current trends in such programs, including participation. Conclusions and recommendations are provided.