Assessing Leisure Motivators and Satisfaction of International Elderhostel Participants

Abstract

This descriptive study evaluated the leisure motivations and satisfactions of a group of 36 International Elderhostel participants based on pre-test and post-test results using the Leisure Motivation Scale (Beard & Ragheb, 1983), The primary motives for leisure engagement was the potential for intellectual stimulation and mastery-competence. Intellectual stimulation was indicated to be the greatest source of leisure satisfaction. Social interaction, while not surfacing as a strong leisure motivator, was found to be one of the strongest leisure satisfaction variables. Recognizing leisure motivators and satisfiers of this segment of the population can assist professionals in targeting potential consumer groups, evaluating program effectiveness and designing leisure programs and experiences that address such needs.