The role of tourism in healthy aging: interdisciplinary perspectives on well-being, accessibility and their policy implications

Purpose This conceptual paper aims to examine the role of tourism in promoting healthy aging, focusing on the importance of interdisciplinary research to understand its impact on older adults’ well-being. Design/methodology/approach This study adopts the term “health and wellness tourism” as defined in the National Health and Wellness Tourism Demonstration Base standard (Tsartsara, 2018). This study sourced the Chinese literature through CNKI (www.cnki.com.cn) and the English literature via the ScienceDirect database. Findings By reviewing existing literature and developing a conceptual framework, this paper has highlighted the multifaceted benefits that tourism can offer to aging populations. Tourism holds significant potential as a preventive health measure, promoting physical activity, mental stimulation, and social engagement – key components of healthy aging. Practical implications The implications of this study emphasize the necessity for strategic actions and thoughtful adaptations across various sectors to harness the potential of tourism in enhancing the quality of life for an aging population. Originality/value This paper provides valuable insights into the potential of tourism to support healthy aging while also highlighting the need for further research and a nuanced approach that considers the complex realities of aging and tourism.