Retirement consumption puzzle in tourism: evidence from CHARLS

Studies have shown that tourism consumption is an effective way for active ageing by improving older adults' well-being and quality of life. However, there is currently a literature gap on post-retirement tourism consumption. This study used the fuzzy regression discontinuity design to explore the changes in tourism consumption after retirement with a longitudinal database, China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. We found a retirement consumption puzzle in tourism consumption amongst older adults, as well as gender differences. Furthermore, the inhibition effect of retirement on tourism consumption of older people can be alleviated by strengthening family interaction, enhancing their participation in social activities and providing tourism products-based gender heterogeneity.