Senior Tourism: Towards and Active and Healthy Ageing

Abstract

The world is undergoing an unprecedented change in its age composition [1]. The United Nations [2] has recognized the fact that the numbers of the older population are growing rapidly and it has estimated that over two billion people will be aged 60 years and over by the year 2050, which will account for 22% (or one out of five) of the world’s population, compared to 10% in 2000. Both practitioners and researchers have acknowledged the importance of older adults as a significant market segment. Nevertheless, there is a gap in the literature and within academic research on role that holidays play within health and wellbeing. A general overview on the importance of this issue and the relevance of gaining understanding on the relationships between tourism, leisure travelling and its influence on health and active ageing is being reported.