IMPACTS OF ADVENTURE-BASED COUNSELING TRAINING ON THE YOUNG OLDS

Abstract

It is commonly believed that Adventure-based Counseling (ABC) training is intended for young people who are active and energetic. The St. James' Settlement (an NGO) in Hong Kong, however, believes that such training can also have positive effects on the young olds (individuals aged 50–65). A group of young old trainees was recruited from the community to help implement related activities to elderly members of this NGO. Their general health condition, levels of life satisfaction, optimism, and self-efficacy were measured before and after the training, and a control group was also recruited. The results show that the ABC training had significant impacts on the life satisfaction, optimism, and self-efficacy levels of the young old trainees. Recommendations are made at the end of the paper.