Navigating the nexus between senior tourism and healthy aging: a post-neoliberal perspective

Purpose – This viewpoint aims to identify research gaps in the existing literature at the nexus between tourism and healthy aging. It outlines a research agenda to establish a foundation for future knowledge development. Design/methodology/approach – This viewpoint critically examines the literature at the intersection of tourism and healthy aging through a post-neoliberal lens. It conducts a focused analysis of relevant literature on three issues to identify research gaps and propose directions for future research. Findings – This viewpoint proposes a research agenda in three facets: the transformation of the successful aging paradigm in senior tourism, the impacts of human and non-human entities on senior tourism and technological innovations in travel for healthy aging. The research directions explore evolving dynamics and inclusive tourism marketing strategies at the intersection of tourism and healthy aging. Originality/value – This viewpoint is among the first to analyze senior tourism and healthy aging through a post-neoliberal lens. This perspective challenges neoliberalism by emphasizing social values, collective interests and public welfare over consumerism and individualism, with significant implications for senior tourism. Responding to the academic call for more interdisciplinary research at the intersection of healthy aging and tourism, it provides insights for academics and practitioners to effectively steer tourism marketing and management targeted at elderly individuals. In doing so, the paper contributes to the promotion of healthy aging through tourism.