Worldwide, more than 250,000 people sign up every year for Elderhostel, which offers courses on everything from Medieval history in England to lectures on volcanoes near pools of bubbling mud in New Zealand. Elderhostel, which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, offers programs in 70 countries and at about 2,000 educational institutions in the United States. Transportation to the program area is not included. The program began in New England as a way to fill college dormitories and classrooms during the summer. The success of marketing courses to older students has grown into an international network of 18,000 educational institutions worldwide.
Financial aid is available and the program also caters to handicapped seniors.
Scott Bass, provost for geriatric research at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, said hostelers are helping change traditional attitudes about aging, as well as promoting the benefits of such programs to other seniors. Studies show that Elderhostel-type programs can be beneficial for cancer and heart disease patients, said Janice Knebl, chief of geriatrics at the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth. And that could make them want to live longer, said Pal De La Garza, a registered nurse who directs Senior Friends locally, a senior wellness program sponsored by Columbia Healthcare. De La Garza said. Chamber of commerce officials said they like the idea that hostelers use local accommodations and restaurants.