An Elderhostel program exercises not only the mind,
but also the body, in a dynamic combination of learning and doing.
Our programs are as varied as the learners who participate in them,
and knowledge of the physical demands of a particular adventure
is essential when making an informed program selection.
In order to help Elderhostelers make appropriate program choices,
the catalog descriptions that summarize programs’ educational
content and related activities are supplemented by activity level
numbers for all U.S. & Canada programs and International
programs. For the most enjoyable and rewarding experience, we ask
that you use your best judgment and make selections appropriate
for your health, physical condition and individual circumstances.
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Please bear in mind that these programs involve group activities
in which your level of preparedness and ability will have an impact
on the other participants.
Preparatory materials sent following enrollment will provide
more detailed information about the scheduled activities and demands
of your particular program.
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| The activity level rating of
a program is based on the approximate number of hours and the
pace or intensity of the physical activity involved. Ratings are
relative, reflect a combination of intensity and duration, and
should be considered within the context of other factors such
as environmental conditions, weather, etc. The range of hours
for each rating is approximate and refers to the estimated amount
of time participants are engaged in physical activity (not including
rest breaks and meals). Each program is unique, so expect the
physical activity in similarly rated programs to vary somewhat.
Program Activity
Level Ratings
Every Elderhostel program is
assigned an activity level, ranging from the least challenging
— Level 1 — to the most challenging — Level
6.
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Participants must
be able to handle their own luggage, climb a few stairs and
get from sleeping accommodations to classrooms and dining rooms.
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Participants must be able
to handle their own luggage, climb a few stairs, stand for up
to an hour, get on and off a motor coach easily and walk a
few blocks indoors or out.
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Participants must be able to handle their
own luggage, climb a few flights of stairs and walk on uneven surfaces from
three blocks up to two miles over the course of the day.
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Participants must be in good health, mobile
and able to participate in 3-5 hours of physical activity per day,
the equivalent of walking up to five miles at a 2.5-mph pace over uneven
ground.
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Participants must be in excellent health,
extremely mobile and used to an active lifestyle. Program activities may
require up to six hours of strenuous, moderate- to fast-paced activity per day,
equivalent to hiking six miles at a 3-mph pace over varied terrain.
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Participants must have a high level of
physical fitness and appropriate expertise in the program activities,
and should expect full days of fast-paced, strenuous physical challenges.
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Anytime you see a rating level used, you may click on it to view a quick pop-up summary of the information above.
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