The relationship between mental well-being, health perception and life satisfaction in third age tourists

This study examines the relationships among mental well-being, health perception, and life satisfaction among domestic and foreign tourists aged 65 and older visiting Antalya, Türkiye. Using a cross-sectional design, 500 participants were selected through quota sampling, ensuring equal distribution by gender (250 female, 250 male) and nationality (250 domestic, 250 foreign). Data were collected via face-to-face interviews with a structured questionnaire between 1 July and 15 September 2024. The average age of participants was X? ± SD = 68.52 ± 2.69 years. Significant differences in mental well-being and life satisfaction were observed across education levels and tourist types (p < 0.05), with foreign tourists reporting higher mental well-being (X? ± SD = 49.96 ± 7.56) and life satisfaction (X? ± SD = 23.52 ± 5.09) than domestic tourists. Correlation analysis indicated significant and positive associations among mental well-being, life satisfaction, and health perception. Specifically, mental well-being was moderately correlated with life satisfaction (r = 0.483, p <.001) and health perception (r = 0.561, p <.001). The strongest relationship was observed between health perception and life satisfaction (r = 0.658, p <.001). Multiple regression analysis confirmed that health perception and mental well-being were significantly associated with life satisfaction (p <.001). These findings highlight the importance of enhancing third age tourists’ well-being through targeted interventions focusing on health perception and mental well-being. © 2025 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.