The changing face of outdoor enthusiasts.

Increasingly, recreation professionals face the challenge of providing programming for a constituency that is older, healthier, more active, and more discriminating in their tastes than ever before. By the year 2000, nearly 15% of the population will be 65 years old or older; but this older population will be unlike any that has gone before it. In truth, we are entering an era in which "the most popular or preferred leisure activities for seniors likely will go beyond the more traditional activities of gardening, reading, watching television, and visiting. Physically and cognitively active lifestyles are becoming the norm for older adults." (McPherson, 1991)

The active lifestyles of older adults are exemplified by the number of outdoor recreation programs specifically designed for older adults as well as by the increasing number of older adults involved in outdoor recreation pursuits. The image of the aging American is changing, and with that change has come a shift in what is acceptable or possible recreation for older adults. Outdoor recreation no longer is just for the young and able-bodied. Older adults can be found rafting down rivers, hiking in national parks, bird watching, camping, cross-country skiing, sitting under a tree by a lake composing poetry, and the list goes on.

Due to standards set forth as part of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), many outdoor recreation areas, facilities, and programs now are accessible to older adults that might have been inaccessible previously. Trails, picnic areas, fishing docks, and campgrounds that now are accessible open up the availability of new experiences for older adults, particularly for those with conditions that might have hindered outdoor recreation participation in the past. Certainly not all older adults have disabilities, yet most appreciate easy access to outdoor recreation made possible by ADA.

Benefits for Older Adults

Participation in outdoor recreation activities affords older adults many benefits. It allows them new experiences in new places, stimulates new interests, and is physically, mentally, and emotionally stimulating. It also helps them to get in touch with themselves and with nature and enhances their understanding of their place in nature and awakens senses. For those who pursue some of the more challenging outdoor recreation activities, opportunities for development of self-image and self-confidence, cooperation and trust, and physical fitness also are provided. These benefits often are only realized through recreation participation in a natural environment, and older adults are seeking these benefits along with the enjoyment the outdoors provide in increasing numbers.

Outdoor Recreation Program

Older adults can be found participating in outdoor recreation through programs offered by traditional agencies such as parks and recreation departments, senior centers, and the YMCA, as well as on their own or under the guidance of a number of private and commercial outdoor recreation providers. As part of the Comprehensive Leisure and Aging Study conducted by the University of Northern Colorado and NRPA, directors of senior centers and programs were asked to indicate whether or not they provided any of a select group of outdoor recreation activities. Table 1 contains the results.

Table One. Percent of Programs Providing Outdoor Recreation Activities

Outdoor Recreation                    Not
Activity              Provided   Provided
Winter sports            10.7        89.3
Camping/backpacking       6.3        93.7
Water sports             19.7        80.3
Nature activities        32.3        67.7
Adventure/risk            5.5        94.5
Hunting/fishing          16.8        83.2
Hiking/walking/biking    50.7        49.3

As shown by these results, very few senior centers or programs are providing much in the way outdoor recreation activities. Often, this is due to constraints perceived by professionals or by older adults themselves with regard to outdoor recreation. For many, the urban environment in which they reside provides a perceived barrier to outdoor recreation possibilities.

However, in a study conducted of senior center directors in Colorado, a state in which outdoor environments are easily accessible, it was found that many perceived cost, lack of experience, and fear to be reasons for non-participation by older adults. In a similar study conducted in Maine, it was discovered that many of these senior center professionals did not know where to find qualified leaders for outdoor activities. Liability concerns enter into the picture for potential providers of outdoor recreation for who fear that such programs may be dangerous for older individuals.

In several studies of leisure constraints, it has been discovered that lack of experience, lack of knowledge, cost, transportation, lack of companionship, fear, and misconceptions contribute to non-participation by older adults.

Although public programs for older adults sponsored by parks and recreation departments may not yet be involved actively in providing outdoor recreation, many other agencies have jumped on the outdoor bandwagon. The following highlights organizations that have capitalized on the growing interest older adults have in pursuing outdoor recreation:

* Summer residential camps for older adults are offered by such organizations as the YMCA and YWCA, Jewish Community Centers, Salvation Army, and Christian Camping International. Camping opportunities also are provided for older adults by a number of colleges and universities, and day camp opportunities often are provided by many nursing homes. A unique residential camping program is offered to participants at the many senior centers in New York City by Vacation and Senior Centers Association Inc. These older adults are provided opportunities to leave the city in the summer for a camping experience at one of many New England summer camps.

* Older adults are visiting national parks in increasing numbers as well as pursuing outdoor recreation on other federal lands. During fiscal years 1989-1991, the National Park Service issued 1.25 million Golden Age Passports to those aged 62 and older. These passports entitle the bearer to free admittance to any national park. The Park Service also uses older adults as volunteers in the parks, which provides a valuable service to the parks as well as expanded recreational opportunities for older adults.

* The U.S. Forest Service capitalizes on the number of older adults who camp in Forest Service campgrounds by using these individuals as campground hosts. Hosts receive free camping for their services. Both the Park Service and the Forest Service also have been constructing accessible trails for those with special needs, including many older adults.

* In 1987, the President's Commission on Americans Outdoors found that there was a trend toward increased participation in outdoor adventure activities and that the average age of outdoor enthusiasts was climbing steadily. In fact, Mountain Travel of Albany, California, one of the oldest adventure travel agencies in the nation, estimates that at least 30% of its clients are age 55 and older.

* There are more than 3,300 members of the 70+ Ski Club, an organization that takes advantage of the benefits of free skiing afforded senior citizens at most ski resorts around the world.

* Elderhostel programs that focus on outdoor adventure activities have mushroomed over the past 3-5 years. Older adults are found rafting, rock climbing, hiking, canoeing, and more all over the world under the guidance of an Elderhostel sponsored program. Elderhostel also provides countless programs that focus on education about the outdoor environment as well as educational outdoor travel experiences.

Recommendations for Outdoor Recreation Program

For those agencies and organizations that want to start outdoor programs for older adults, the following tips might be helpful:

* Have a positive attitude about outdoor recreation and do not let stereotypes get in the way of programming outdoor recreation activities. Portray these activities as fun, exciting, and do-able for older adults.

* Pique the interests of seniors by showing slides, photos, films, or articles of their peers involved in outdoor recreation activities, or have other seniors share their experiences with others.

* Assess the needs and interests of the older adults whom you serve. You may find that many prefer to pursue outdoor recreation on their own or with their families; or you may find that they have misconceptions or constraints regarding participation in outdoor recreation activities and would love assistance from you about how to get involved.

* Plan a variety of outdoor recreation activities for the variety of interests and ability levels you may encounter with your older adults. Outdoor recreation can be anything from bird watching to river rafting, picnics at the shore to backpacking in the woods.

* Offer instruction in specific activities by professionals who not only know their activity but who can work well with an older adult population.

* Work with outdoor outfitters to provide a senior discount on equipment rentals or sales.

* Attempt to remove perceived constraints to participation. Take things slow, and ease older adults into activities with which they may be unfamiliar. Encourage group activities and buddy systems, and make safety the number one concern. Do your homework on all aspects on the activity, and know your participants.

Vigorous Pursuit of these Goals

As our aging population grows, we all will be faced with the issue of how best to serve the diversity of needs and interest, represented by these older adults. Outdoor recreation is one of the many program areas that is growing in popularity for this population, and we must respond to this reality.

As the President's Commission on Americans Outdoors recommended, "Owing to the positive relationship which exists between leisure activity and healthy adjustment in late adulthood, expansion of opportunities designed to promote greater participation of older adults in outdoor recreation should be vigorously pursued."