ניתוח העדפות קהל של מבקרים מעל גיל 65 בחניוני יערות קק"ל: [מתוך המדור: מאמרים]

The global population is aging, and by 2050, the number of people over the age of 65 is expected to double, reaching approximately 1.5 billion. This dramatic growth in the elderly population affects various aspects of life, including leisure, recreation,and tourism. The study examines the attitudes and preferences of older visitors (Israeli residents aged65 and over) regarding leisure activities in forest recreation areas. The aging of the population in both the world and Israel, along with the importance of forests for the quality of life of older adults, calls for thoughtful planning of these sites and the services they offer. The aim of the study is to improve the design, services, and overall experience that forest recreation areas provide for this population. A visitor survey was conducted with 446 respondents aged 65 and over. The findings highlighted the great importance of cleanliness, infrastructure(shade, trash bins, toilets, water taps), easy access from parking areas, accessibility features, signage and information, and the presence of picnic tables and benches. Analysis revealed significant differences mainly among age sub-groups within the older population, as well as between visitors with different visitation frequencies. According to the concept of "active aging," maintaining an active lifestyle is essential for achieving high levels of life satisfaction. Forest recreation areas play a key role,serving as places for connecting with nature and for social interaction, thus contributing to both the physical and mental health of visitors. The study recommends treating older adults as a meaningful user group in the planning,development, management, and marketing of forest recreation areas, both because of the considerable benefits they gain from forest visits and due to their growing proportion in the population. Therefore, it is important to include representatives of this age group in the planning and development processes in order to incorporate their unique perspectives.In addition, we recommend promoting activity programs in KKL-JNF forest recreation areas for older visitors, based on the substantial benefits that such visits can offer. The study was conducted in KKL-JNF forests in the northern region of Israel,but its conclusions are considered relevant to KKL-JNF forests in general.