Subjective well-being and healthcare utilization: A mediation analysis

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Health Economics

Background:

• Subjective well-being, including life satisfaction, is increasingly recognized for its impact on health.
• Understanding the relationship between life satisfaction and healthcare utilization is crucial for the aging population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between life satisfaction and healthcare usage in older adults.
• To explore potential mediating factors, such as lifestyle and social capital, in this relationship.

Main Methods:

• Development of a mediation framework to analyze the influence of life satisfaction on healthcare usage.
• Application of Heckman's sample selection bias correction method.
• Examination of baseline life satisfaction, lifestyle choices, social capital, and subsequent healthcare utilization.

Main Results:

• Life satisfaction at baseline was associated with lower subsequent outpatient healthcare usage.
• Increased physical activity was identified as a significant mediator in this relationship.
• Social capital did not emerge as a significant mediator in the tested framework.

Conclusions:

• Life satisfaction may play a protective role in reducing healthcare needs among older adults.
• Promoting physical activity could be a key strategy to leverage life satisfaction for better health outcomes in aging populations.
• Further research can explore other potential pathways and interventions.