Smart Integration and Experience Innovation in Senior Living Tourism: Digital Transformation Paths for Dalian's Aging Industry

The intersection between rapid technological advancement and global population aging has created a new paradigm for the development of aging services. In China, where the number of older adults has exceeded 280 million, digital transformation is increasingly recognized as a key driver of innovation in the aging industry. This paper explores how the integration of smart technologies and experience innovation can enhance the quality, inclusiveness, and sustainability of senior living tourism. Dalian, a coastal city in northeastern China, provides a representative case for analyzing how digital platforms, intelligent data systems, and immersive cultural experiences can reshape traditional wellness tourism into a human-centered ecosystem. Drawing on international practices from Japan, Germany, and Finland, this study identifies three major development paths: the establishment of integrated intelligent service platforms, the personalization of wellness and lifestyle management, and the creation of interactive and emotionally engaging community experiences. A Smart Aging Tourism Integration Framework is proposed to align technology, service design, and social participation, offering practical insights for policymakers and industry practitioners who seek sustainable innovation in the emerging silver economy.