Ulyssean ageing: an alternative model for the third age

This paper describes the concepts of Grey Nomads and Ulyssean Ageing, which represent new ways of ageing and community engagement. The authors propose a template of ageing styles and their policy implications: Ulyssean, Continuity, Pleasure and relaxation; and Decline. The Ulyssean approach sees retirement as independence and a time for exploration and self-transcendence, an example - the so-called Grey Nomads - independent people over 50, who travel for extended periods within their own country in search of learning, freedom, and adventure. Instead of retirement policies concerned with health decline and financial security, the Ulyssean ageing style requires policies addressing training, vounteering, and travel. Since many Grey Nomads are interested in volunteering during their travels, the authors conducted surveys in six rural towns about the interests of Grey Nomads and the local opportunities for volunteering. This highlights the mutual economic and social benefits for communities and older people to incorporate the different approaches to ageing in their policies and services.