Tourism Experiences and Self-Rated Health Among Older Adults in China. (June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gu, Danan; Zhu, Haiyan; Brown, Tyson; Hoenig, Helen; Zeng, Yi
• Is Part Of: Journal of aging and health. Volume 28:Number 4(2016:Jun.)
• Page Start: 675
• Page End: 703
• Publication Date: 2016-06
• Subjects: tourism -- tourism experience -- self-rated health -- older adults -- China; Older people -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; 618.97
• DOI: 10.1177/0898264315609906
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0898-2643

Abstract

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.