Adventure and Spiritual Restoration: Older Adult Motivations for Undertaking a Pilgrimage on El Camino de Santiago

Abstract

A pilgrimage is an intentional journey that can increase well-being. Historically completed for religious purposes, aims in contemporary times may include religious, spiritual, or humanistic benefits and appreciation of culture and geography. This quantitative and qualitative survey research explored motivations of a sample of 111 people age 65 and over from a larger study who completed the Camino de Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Consistent with life course and developmental theories, some respondents walked at life decision points. Sixty percent of the analysed sample were from Canda, Mexico and the US. Nearly 42% were non-religious while 57% were Christian. Five key themes emerged: challenge and adventure, spirituality and intrinsic motivation, cultural or historical interest, recognition of life experiences and gratitude, and relationships. The Santiago pilgrimage counters a narrative of aging as diminishment through positioning identity, ego integrity, friendships and family, spirituality, and positive physical challenge at the center of aging.