ORCID
- Alison Warren: 0000-0002-1529-7586
Abstract
This qualitative research explored the underresearched area of subjective meaning(s) of travel for U.K. baby-boomers, from an occupational perspective. Using a descriptive phenomenology, a convenience sample of eight baby-boomers was recruited using social media. Participants took part in semistructured interviews, and narratives were analysed using thematic analysis. Four themes were generated: (a) travel is important to me, (b) travel changes through time, (c) travel facilitators and barriers and (d) travel as a shared experience. Participants perceived travel as a meaningful and health-promoting occupation that represented freedom, choice, independence, connection and achievement. Greater comfort was sought with age while financial constraints and deteriorating health were considered barriers to travel. The therapeutic value of travel as a meaningful occupation should not be underestimated. Travel providers might consider providing meaningful, accessible and desired travel opportunities for this cohort while examining their potential economic benefits to society.
DOI Link
Publication Date
2025-12-11
Publication Title
OTJR: Occupational Therapy Journal of Research
ISSN
1539-4492
Acceptance Date
2025-01-01
Deposit Date
2025-12-18
Funding
The authors received no financial support for the research, authorship and/or publication of this article.
Recommended Citation
Hicks, R., & Warren, A. (2025) 'The Meaning of Travel: An Exploration Within the ‘Baby-Boomer’ Generation', OTJR: Occupational Therapy Journal of Research, . Available at: 10.1177/15394492251391682
