Definition and Classification - the Elderly Traveller

Definition and Classification

For this report, the term "elderly" will be used to describe males and females who are at least 50 years of age (born in 1961) who possess prolific time resources to engage in non-work related activities. The emphasis of this particular definition is on the latter part where time is of abundance and can be used to enjoy leisurely activities such as travelling, shopping and dining. Researched data indicates that elderly who were born during the Baby-Boom era (1946-1964) are nearing their retirement age (Gilford, 1988) and their number is approximate at 550 million worldwide (Carl Haub, 2011). The research also shows that these Baby-Boom era elderly are financially more flexible than other people in different age groups (Smeeding, 1990). The bases for Baby-Boom era elderly's favourable discretionary income are due to high education level, upper job positions and less family responsibilities (Rosenwaike, 1985). In comparison, at one end the working age and family-starter people have many social and financial obligations such as bills, mortgages and children and on the other end the very mature elderly (Baby-Boom era elderly's parents) live on fixed pensions and do not possess other means to acquire additional income. So, it is apparent that Baby-Boom era elderly have all the prerequisites to enjoy the multitude of hospitality products and services, namely time and money.

It is now useful to categorise these seemingly similar elderly people into different groups according to their age brackets. Three groups are formed starting with people in the age range of 50-60 (born between 1951-1961) called Young Seniors, then people in the age range of 61-75 (born between 1936-1950) called Middle Seniors and lastly people who are of age 76 or more (born before 1935) called Old Seniors. The basis for this age classification is because generally old age comes with poor health and in combination they can prevent an elderly with ample of time and money from taking part in most kinds of hospitality products and services. Sources (Peter E. Tarlow, 2007) signify that the first two elderly groups, Young and Middle Seniors are suitable in terms of both age/health and time/money to participate in most general mass hospitality products and services. For example, a 65 years old male with an adventurous disposition can still enjoy rock climbing or snowboarding. On the contrary, the last group exhibits visible signs of fatigue even with the slightest amount of activities. In addition, these Older Seniors were born at a time when higher level of education and leisure travelling practices are still limited to the affluent and thus their sentiments on financial priorities are different.