Tourism Experiences and Self-Rated Health Among Older Adults in China.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate factors associated with tourism experiences, and the association between tourism experiences and subsequent self-rated health. METHOD: Multilevel logistic regression models and four waves of panel data from a large nationally representative survey of older adults in China were employed. RESULTS: Those who had a tourism experience tended to be younger, men, urban residents, have a higher socioeconomic status (SES), and frequently participate in leisure activities and exercise. However, controlling for SES, women were more likely than men to have a tourism experience. Notably, tourism was negatively associated with poor self-rated health and the association was robust to adjustments for a wide range of confounders. DISCUSSION: The net beneficial impact of tourism on self-rated health may operate through several mechanisms such as improvements in tourists' cognitive functioning, healthy lifestyles, self-esteen, family and social relations, and psychological and spirtual well-being. Tourism participation is an effective way to promote healthy aging.

Duke Scholars

Author Tyson Brown Sociology

Author Helen Marie Hoenig Medicine, Geriatrics and Palliative Care

Author Yi Zeng Medicine, Geriatrics and Palliative Care