An exploration of the Innovation Theory of Successful Ageing among older tourists

Abstract

This article aims to examine patterns of innovation in older adults' tourism, and to explore whether innovation is associated with the benefits gained from the overall tourism experience. The study was based on a national mail survey of 298 retirees, who travelled abroad at least once in the year prior to the survey. Results indicated that participants' involvement in new experiences during their last travel abroad was quite high. Factor analysis of new experiences data identified two factors: ‘external innovation’, which included experiences that were associated with the external environment visited; and ‘internal innovation’, which consisted of experiences that were associated with some intrapersonal processes. Cluster analysis conducted on the new experiences' factors identified three groups of older tourists:non-innovators, external innovatorsandabsolute innovators. These groups were differentiated in terms of travel patterns and destination activities. In addition, theabsolute innovatorsreported a significantly higher level of agreement with various benefits statements than the other groups. Examining the findings through the lenses of the Innovation Theory of Successful Ageing helps to explain older adults' tourism experiences. Moreover, since the findings imply that experiencing ‘internal innovation’, rather than ‘external innovation’, amplified their overall tourism experience, this article suggests a new principle to the theory, which should be tested in future research.

Travel frequency of seniors tourists

“…The basic premise of this theory is that adults maintain the same activities, behaviors and social relations of the past over the last stage of their lives (Atchley in Agahi et al 2006). Chen and Shoemaker (2014), Nimrod and Rotem (2012) and Zimmer et al (1995), among others, argue that leisure in adulthood is characterized by a high level of continuity, and although individuals have more free time and fewer dependents once they reach retirement, their participation in leisure and tourism is often the same as it was before they retired.…”

Active and Adjusted: Investigating the Contribution of Leisure, Health and Psychosocial Factors to Retirement Adjustment

“…Conversely, limited evidence was found for innovation theory, with only 23% of people trying new activities. This may have been the result of applying broad categories of different leisure activities rather than a single category (e.g., travel: Nimrod & Rotem, 2012) with multiple inter-related activities. This pattern was observed for all types of activities except vigorous activities.…”

“…A complement to continuity theory is presented in the innovation theory of successful ageing (Nimrod & Rotem, 2012). While continuity theory emphasizes the maintenance of activities, innovation theory promotes innovation as a means of preserving identity and adaptation, evidenced when people add new leisure activities later in life (self-invention innovation) or continue with earlier interests (self-preservation innovation) (Nimrod, 2007a(Nimrod, , 2007bNimrod & Kleiber, 2007).…”

“…The latter most closely overlaps with continuity theory (Atchley, 1999). Studies (e.g., Nimrod & Hutchinson, 2010;Nimrod, 2008;Nimrod & Rotem, 2012) have empirically tested the theory and reported psychological benefits of innovation. Where innovation presents opportunities for reinvention of self, the likely result is a positive impact on wellbeing.…”

The Paradox of Competition for Airline Passengers With Reduced Mobility (Prm)

“…(ibid: 26). PRMs may trust a larger airline with an established reputation, higher costs and fares rather than a lowcost carrier unless the passengers are income-constrained in which case they may have reduced choice (Nimrod and Rotem, 2012). Because of the foregoing cost implications and in contrast to the IATA rating of 'high', the threat from new entrants for the PRM market is judged low.…”