The Surprising Reason for Decreasing Travel Frequency?: An Analysis of the “Travel Divide” (3)

Continuing our exploration of the ‘Travel Divide,’ we seek to understand its underlying causes. In our previous article, we verified that the decrease in travel frequency among the elderly is not due to ‘money’ or ‘time.’ Surprisingly, it showed an inverse correlation.

According to the ‘Travel and Tourism Consumption Trends Survey‘ published by the Japan Tourism Agency in 2018, the top reasons for not undertaking domestic overnight trips (for tourism and recreation) were ‘unable to take vacation due to work or other reasons’ (29.3%), followed by ‘financial constraints’ (26.4%), and ‘holidays not aligning with family or friends’ (21.0%). These top three reasons all relate to time and money.

However, the fourth reason was ‘personal health reasons’ (18.1%). Therefore, this article aims to investigate the relationship between travel frequency and ‘physical fitness tests.’

Source: Japan Tourism Agency ‘Travel and Tourism Consumption Trend Survey, Q1 2018

Based on the ‘2022 Physical Fitness and Exercise Capability Survey‘ by the Japan Sports Agency, we calculated a ‘Physical Fitness Test Index’ using the age-specific scores of universally conducted tests: ‘grip strength,’ ‘sit-ups,’ and ‘sit and reach,’ for all age groups (6 to 79 years old). The correlation coefficient between this ‘Physical Fitness Test Index’ and the frequency of overseas travel was a significant 0.78.

Note: The ‘Physical Fitness Test’ indexes age-specific values for exercises conducted universally across all age groups (6 to 79 years old), including ‘Grip Strength,’ ‘Sit-Ups,’ and ‘Sit-and-Reach.’

Source: Japan Sports Agency ‘2022 Physical Fitness and Exercise Capability Survey

Additionally, the same survey asked individuals aged 65-79, ‘Can you carry a bag weighing around 10kg for 10m?’ The responses were ‘no’ for 27% of individuals aged 65-69, 35% for those aged 70-74, and 42% for those aged 75-79.

Source: Japan Sports Agency ‘2022 Physical Fitness and Exercise Capability Survey

The weight limit for checked baggage on international flights, for example, with All Nippon Airways’ economy class, is 23kg (50 pounds), while business and first class allow up to 32kg. This 23kg (50 pounds) limit is almost universally applied to all international flights. It aligns with the maximum recommended lift load of 51 pounds (23.1kg) under ideal conditions by the United States’ NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health), a federal agency conducting research and making recommendations to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses. This recommended limit is meant to prevent health risks to robust airport workers, not necessarily the average traveler. However, many travelers check suitcases that weigh nearly the 23kg limit for overseas trips.

Note: For Economy Class

Source: Various airlines’ websites

Considering that 35-42% of individuals in their 70s cannot carry a bag weighing around 10kg, it becomes evident that traveling overseas with luggage nearing 23kg is extremely challenging. Hence, it is highly plausible that ‘heavy luggage’ is a significant factor in the decrease in travel frequency.

In the next article, we will delve into why it’s beneficial to address the ‘Travel Divide.'”