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.
Keywords: China; older adults; self-rated health; tourism; tourism experience.
© The Author(s) 2015.