“If there are youth hostels, then why aren’t there elder hostels?”
— Elderhostel Co-founder David Bianco
Dear Friend,
“Elderhostel” is a name that was created in 1974 when David Bianco uttered the word to his good friend Marty Knowlton in a moment of inspiration. It is a word without definition in the dictionary, but for those whose lives have been enriched and whose dreams have been fulfilled, the name Elderhostel has significant meaning. It stands for intellectual stimulation, personal growth, fellowship, exploration, self-discovery and a lot of fun.
The Need to Evolve
While there are millions of us who are “in the know” about Elderhostel, there are untold millions more for whom the name itself is a barrier they cannot get past — either because they don’t perceive themselves as “elders” or because the word “hostel” represents an inaccurate description of our accommodations. What matters is that these folks are missing out on educational adventures that could significantly enhance their enjoyment of life and good health as they age.
After 34 years, it’s time to lift that barrier and welcome new learners into the Elderhostel community, and we intend to do so by renaming our programs and our catalogs.
Same Great Programs!
Rest assured, everything you love about Elderhostel will remain; even the name Elderhostel, Inc. will continue to be the name of our organization — we’re only renaming our programs and our catalogs. Our programs will continue, just as they always have, to provide engaging, stimulating learning adventures with fascinating fellow learners.
Want to be a Part of Revealing the New Name?
We’re excited to share our new program name with you this September. Not only will we unveil the name in September, but we plan to do it in a way that will showcase Elderhostel participants in action — fulfilling their dreams on programs across the country and around the world. And we’d love to have you take part!
Get Involved!
If you enroll in any program that takes place this coming June or July, you will have waiting for you on your program one poster-size letter of the alphabet. This letter will be just one of the letters that we’ll use to show the new Elderhostel program name. It might be an “E” … it could be an “L” … maybe a “D.” Once on the program, participants will have the opportunity to photograph each other holding the letter.
With photographs of participants and their letters, we’ll create a video montage, which ends with the letters together, in order, spelling the new name. We’ll have photos from programs in far-flung, exciting and even ordinary locations around the world. We’ll have photos from the Grand Canyon, the Eiffel Tower, Times Square, Denali National Park, Mount Rushmore, and the great pyramids of Egypt … and not just places but also classic Elderhostel activities such as singing in a chorus, standing in front of a famous sculpture in a museum, creating a traditional craft. We’re leaving it up to you to be creative!
A Remarkable History
It will be 35 years since the words “elder hostel,” first spoken by David Bianco, became “Elderhostel.” We hope the announcement of our new name will be just as significant, and that the ripples of Marty’s and David’s vision will continue to expand for many generations to come.
Sincerely,
James Moses
Elderhostel President |