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From the Archives: Suddenly Widowed at 53

“My husband and I were world travelers, but our USA travels we enjoyed by attending the Elderhostel program. We started in its early years, when accommodations were in the dormitory of the university and bathroom facilities were 'down the hall.' We did not mind it as it was part of the experience.

My most precious times in the years 1985 through 2001 were because of Elderhostel experiences allowing me to travel and learn all through the continental USA, Alaska, Hawaii and Europe. It was an exceptionally important time for me as I had been suddenly widowed in 1977 at age 53. I was forced by my husband’s death to leave an extremely stimulating life in academic medicine. I still had four children being educated, from high school to Ph.D. programs.

Somehow I heard about Elderhostel. It was a golden opportunity I desperately needed, so in early 1985 at age 60, I enrolled at Yavapaí Community College. It was pure luck that the program I chose had this great communicator, Chris, who introduced me to a world of the Southwest, the Grand Canyon, Native American people and their ruins, geology, archaeology and anthropology. The stimulus was so great; thus began my first of 39 Elderhostel programs that changed and enlightened my life.

The Grand Canyon at sunrise, filled with golden yellows, reds, and blues

I have kept a record of all these programs. I began at Yavapaí, widowed and lonely but anxious to travel and learn. Yavapaí was such a blessing — I returned several times over the years — and Elderhostel gave me a new lease on life that I had felt was over.

Over the years I was a walking advertisement for Elderhostel. I gave glowing reports to dozens of people, some of whom joined me in one or more experiences. I became very selective as I developed an understanding of what to look for and to expect from such an experience. After the week(s) were over I began to rate my reactions from 1 to 10, and of the total, eleven of them were 10s!!!

Almost all of the courses and activities were important, but to me the degree of importance was as follows:

  1. Among participants were special and exciting people, which was the most important ingredient.
  2. Teachers, lecturers and academic personnel would make or break a successful Elderhostel program.
  3. Class activities and field trips, when stimulating, were extraordinary.
  4. Accommodations were generally great and food was usually good and plentiful. But this was just the “icing on the cake” of learning, living and loving that was the soul of Elderhostel.

I am now 81 years old. I don’t attend Elderhostel anymore, but I did go to programs in 17 states (some multiple times) and seven countries. The glorious memories that I have keep me 'young at heart' and ever grateful to the wonderful idea called ELDERHOSTEL.”

—Betty Jean Stetson
Albuquerque, New Mexico

This story is excerpted from Elderhostel Odyssey, published in 2005.