Date of Award
2007
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Philosophy (MPHIL)
Department
Sociology and Social Policy
First Advisor
Prof PHILLIPS David R.
Second Advisor
Prof SIU Oi-ling
Abstract
Demographic ageing of the population is now well established in Hong Kong and, as elsewhere, is raising increasing concerns about the basic needs and the well-being of older persons. Older individuals vary considerably and may try to enhance their well-being in different ways by a range of leisure activities. The gradually improving financial and physical status suggests travel as a potential leisure activity which might enhance individual well-being and quality of life of older persons.
Previous research about travel has mainly involved marketing and sociological perspectives. The market research to date for investigating customer values of tourism and typologies of tourists in sociological studies largely ignored the subjective, dynamic, and intangible components of consumption experience. These components, however, are important for understanding travel needs of older persons.
The aims of the current study were therefore to identify the characteristics of travel behavior and the main factors that contribute to a pleasurable trip of older persons to investigate travel preferences and travel needs of older persons. The concept of subjective well-being (SWB) which focuses on the positive affect, negative affect, and life satisfaction was found to be useful for understanding the conditions under which travel is desirable to older persons.
Two focus groups were conducted to provide insights for the initial design of an in-depth questionnaire survey of 25 older persons age over 60 or above. Inclusion criteria were that respondents would perceive themselves to be able to travel financially and physically before they completed individual face-to-face interviews. By purposive sampling, respondents were selected from urban areas in Hong Kong from sources including social organizations, the researcher’s personal networks, a church, a university, parks, a shopping mall, and public areas in government buildings.
After collecting and analyzing the data referring to principles of grounded theory, four patterns of travel behavior and outcome of travel regarding to individual well-being were found. Six aspects of travel preferences and nine factors which contribute to a pleasurable trip were identified. Travel needs of older persons were further investigated and implications for providing travel services for older persons to enhance their well-being were discussed.
Copyright
The copyright of this thesis is owned by its author. Any reproduction, adaptation, distribution or dissemination of this thesis without express authorization is strictly prohibited.
Recommended Citation
Cheng, K. Y. L. (2007). A study of travel behavior, travel preferences, and subjective well-being of older persons in Hong Kong (Master's thesis, Lingnan University, Hong Kong). Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.14793/soc_etd.10