Ageing is sometimes perceived as being synonymous with loneliness, loss and a withdrawal from surroundings. However, Airbnb has revealed that senior community members are craving just the opposite.
Increasingly powered by seniors, Airbnb has seen staggering growth in the over 60s age group both in hosts and guests, with a whopping almost 1100 per cent growth in the number of Experiences hosted by seniors globally, and a 260 per cent increase in Experience bookings by over 60s worldwide from last year.
1100% growth in the number of Experiences hosted by seniors globally
260% increase in Experience bookings by seniors worldwide from last year
According to Dr. Marc Agronin, a geriatric psychiatrist at Miami Jewish Health and author of The End of Old Age: Living a Longer, More Purposeful Life, ageing itself can improve many aspects of our lives, including our senses of wisdom, purpose and creativity. And opportunities for human connection with new people from other backgrounds and countries can provide countless benefits.
“Interacting with people from other places and ways of life stimulates our brains and inspires us to learn new ways of speaking and interacting. Learning words from a new language is a wonderful brain exercise. These encounters broaden our perspectives and enhance our well-being.”
Countries with the most Experience hosts age 60+
United States
Italy
United Kingdom
Japan
France
Countries with the most Experience guests age 60+
United States
United Kingdom
Australia
Canada
France
Dr. Agronin explains the sharp growth in hosting, in particular, might partly be attributed to the long-lasting positive impacts of sharing with others a piece of your community, culture and life passions, through unique, one-of-a-kind experiences.
And the Airbnb over 60 community is certainly sharing a vast array of interests. From exploring the unseen urban corners of Hong Kong with Alfred, to indulging in Havana’s rich culinary culture with Dayami, to taking a journey inside your brain with Phil in Sydney, and even mastering the rhythms of Latin music in a former San Francisco speakeasy with Quentin, the passions vary widely.
Yet of all the types of Experiences on offer, it may come as no surprise that the category seniors are most likely to host have an element of social impact, where 100 percent of the proceeds goes back to the organization it benefits.
Top Experience categories hosted by seniors
Social impact
Arts
History
Nature
Wellness
Top Experience categories booked by seniors
History
Music
Food and drink
Arts
Lifestyle
Elders around the globe are also welcoming the opportunity to get outside their comfort zone – particularly in the music, arts and lifestyle categories – something Dr. Agronin says brings a new sense of freedom and liberation. “It only takes one new experience to awaken and engage these age-given strengths, boosting our self-confidence and providing the motivation to re-invent ourselves.”