Creating a Successful Elderhostel Program: A Social Gerontologist's Perspective

The coming century will bring many changes to the field of adult education. The Elderhostel program is trying to assist seniors in using their leisure time to learn more about themselves and the world around them. This paper provides a description and critical examination of the Elderhostel Program on a national level with the intent to identify essential components for a successful program from a gerontologist's perspective. A successful program incorporates the following factors: (1) uniqueness of program, (2) geographic location, (3) subject/courses, (4) facilities and accommodations, (5) lifestyle marketing techniques, and (6) appropriate theory. Four main gerontology theories are discussed; activity, continuity, age stratification, and symbolic interaction. Theory provides administrators with a strong foundation that assists organizations in meeting goals. The ideal program created by the author takes advantage of the wealth of resources that are available in each local area and focuses marketing and program efforts on local commuters.