AUTHOR=Zhang Yuchen , Sun Longyu 

TITLE=The health status, social support, and subjective well-being of older individuals: evidence from the Chinese General Social Survey

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=12

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1312841

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2024.1312841

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=<sec><title>Objectives</title><p>This study aims to investigate the impact of health status and social support on the subjective well-being of older individuals.</p></sec><sec><title>Methods</title><p>Using data from the China General Social Survey 2017, this research analyzed 5,187 Chinese citizens aged 60 years and older. The predicted effect of each variable on subjective well-being was evaluated through hierarchical regression analysis. The direct and indirect effects of social support and health status on subjective well-being are examined based on a structural equation model.</p></sec><sec><title>Results</title><p>The mental health and social support positively impact subjective well-being. Mental health mediates the effect of physical health on subjective well-being, and social support mediates the relationship between physical and mental health and subjective well-being.</p></sec><sec><title>Conclusion</title><p>The findings provide strong evidence for the interrelationship mechanisms among the factors influencing subjective well-being. Consequently, improving mental health services and social support systems is advantageous for enhancing the well-being of Chinese seniors.</p></sec>