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Age-Biased Statistics: A Lesson From Tourism

Adriane G. Berg
Adriane G. Berg
Written by Adriane G. Berg

World Tourism Network’s (WTN) most active interest group is Ageless Tourism. Adriane G. Berg, Representative to the United Nations from the International Federation on Ageing, Board Member of the UN Global NGO Executive Committee (GNEC), and Host of On The Ground – the podcast of GNEC – is the Co-Founder of Ageless Tourism at WTN.

Despite their growing numbers and substantial contributions to society, people over sixty are routinely overlooked in statistical analyses that shape community planning and policy decisions. Whether in healthcare, transportation, or education, older adults often remain invisible in the datasets that inform societal priorities. This systemic exclusion perpetuates gaps in services and undermines efforts to build resilient communities capable of addressing the needs of all their members.

Tourism is a significant area where this exclusion is starkly evident, where older women, particularly those over eighty, emerge as a crucial demographic. Statistics show that older women in this age bracket spend the most on solo and grandparent travel. However, there is a glaring lack of data on the specific needs of widows, who often outlive their male companions and may face financial challenges due to lower pensions and reduced income post-widowhood.

Recent advancements in tourism data collection underscore the importance of inclusive research. For instance, under Saudi Arabia’s leadership, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has launched a groundbreaking dataset that aligns tourism employment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This initiative provides detailed insights into employment across the tourism sector, including breakdowns by gender and job type. While commendable, this effort highlights the need for similar approaches that explicitly include older adults.

Tourism as a Data-Driven Model

The UNWTO dataset represents a significant step in understanding tourism’s economic and social impact. It measures employment across ten primary tourism sectors, offering stakeholders actionable insights to promote sustainability and inclusiveness. Yet, it does not include age-specific data, neglecting older adults who are pivotal as consumers and contributors to the tourism industry.

The Broader Implications of Exclusion

This exclusion of age-specific data extends beyond tourism, affecting the healthcare, transportation, and education sectors. Public policies and services often fail to meet the needs of older adults due to inadequate data on their preferences and challenges. For instance, transportation systems may not cater to their mobility needs, and healthcare services may not adequately address geriatric care.

To build resilient communities, we must include older adults, particularly older women, in data collection, research, and policy planning. The lack of specific data on older adults, especially women, affects various sectors, including tourism, healthcare, and transportation. Investing in older women and ensuring they are included in gender equality initiatives can create a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

Why Age-Inclusive Data Matters

Inclusivity in data collection is crucial for building resilient, age-friendly communities. Older adults are active participants in society, contributing through various roles like caregivers, volunteers, and consumers. Their exclusion from data analysis marginalizes their needs and limits opportunities to enhance services tailored to their requirements.

Lessons from Tourism for Community Resilience

The UNWTO’s initiative demonstrates the transformative potential of data-driven decision-making. To replicate this success across sectors, stakeholders must expand data collection to include age as a key demographic variable. This approach would ensure that policies and services address the diverse needs of older adults, fostering intergenerational collaboration and leveraging technological advancements for targeted interventions.

Conclusion

The UNWTO’s dataset exemplifies how data can drive progress when inclusive. To build truly resilient communities, including older adults, particularly older women, in data collection and policy planning is imperative. By doing so, we can ensure that the benefits of societal progress are equitably shared, empowering all members of society to thrive.

To be part of the Ageless Tourism movement, go to agelesstourism.com

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