It is not only the young who rule the… forest — long distance hiking over the age of 50
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Abstract
This study provides an insight into the recreational sport activity of hikers over the age of fifty and its psychological background, with particular reference to motivation. I analysed the hikers with a qualitative method to find their motivation. This approach is novel and unusual, but provides much more information than the quantitative approach. The study sample consisted of 15 subjects, 8 men and 7 women, with a mean age of 54.2 ± 8.4. The criteria for inclusion in the study were a minimum age of 50 years and the hiker had been actively involved in long-term performance hiking for at least five years. The results suggest that hikers have intrinsic motivations to cover long distances, including overcoming new challenges, exploring their physical boundaries, experiencing a state outside the comfort zone and belonging to a group of like-minded people, and attracting the beauty of nature. Overcoming their boundaries is embodied in a flow experience that takes them further to complete longer and longer tours.
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