Older Women Hit Open Road in Growing Trend
This report (Older Women Hit Open Road in Growing Trend) by the University of Technology Sydney is interesting.
Yates, M., Perry, L., Onyx, J., & Levett-Jones, T. (2024). Women travelling solo or with other women across Australia: A montage of narratives. Journal of Women & Aging, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1080/08952841.2024.2431412
I’ve summarised it below.
Here’s a summary of the key points from the text:
- Australian women over 60 are increasingly taking solo road trips across the country in caravans, campervans, and 4WDs, challenging traditional views of aging
- A study by Margaret Yates (UTS) interviewed 29 women travellers, focusing on four women in their 60s and 70s, to understand their motivations and experiences
- The women report improved well-being and health benefits from travelling, even those with chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease
- Many women choose this lifestyle after years of caring for others, seeking self-discovery, personal growth, and independence, often despite opposition from friends and family
- Travellers develop informal support networks at campgrounds, sharing tips and stories, and generally feel safe despite travelling alone
- They face various challenges including vehicle breakdowns, poor communications, and isolation, but view these obstacles as empowering rather than discouraging
- The trend is attributed to increased financial independence, improved healthcare options, changing perceptions of aging, and COVID-19 prompting life reassessments
- One case study, Vivian, has been travelling for nine years after selling her business, describing it as “the best choice I ever made” despite the challenges
- Another traveller, Aria, initially planned for a one-year trip but continued travelling with her dog Rusty after falling in love with the lifestyle and discovering more of the country
