Sustainable Tourism and the 60+: A Case Study in Cruzeiro, Brazil

Resumo

Sustainable tourism, a practice dedicated to preserving the environment and fostering social and cultural issues, takes on particular significance when considering the engagement of the 60+ age group. People of that generational segment often bring a wealth of life experience and a cultivated  ethical consciousness to their interactions with natural and cultural heritage. This paper investigates the extent to which individuals with a strong ethical foundation and consequent commitment to sustainability apply their values to tourist attractions and how their tourism-related actions are guided by a commitment to the common good. Through a case study centered in Cruzeiro, Brazil, focusing on an active group of older adults developed at a local community college, this research explores their practical involvement in sustainable tourism initiatives. Drawing upon Aristotelian ethics, particularly the concepts of eudaimonia (complete happiness) and hexis (a cultivated ethical disposition), the study examines how these philosophical principles support their actions. The findings demonstrate that older participants, benefiting from developed moral reasoning and a clear understanding of long-term consequences, naturally internalize and endorse responsible tourism. Their active participation in environmental preservation, cultural appreciation, and community engagement both enriches their personal experiences and inspire  younger generations. This strongly indicates that the practice of sustainable tourism is an extension of personal ethics, since the quest for individual and social well-being leads  to decisions that take into account the health of the planet and of mankind.