To be happy and behave in a healthier way. A longitudinal study about gender differences in the older population

Subjective well-being plays a key role in health. The objectives of this study are to analyse the longitudinal associations between subjective well-being dimensions and healthy behaviours, and to examine gender differences.

A representative sample of 1,190 Spanish non-institutionalised adults aged 50+ were interviewed over a 6-year follow-up period. The Cantril scale was used to measure evaluative well-being. The Day Reconstruction Method measured experienced well-being. The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire was used, whereas fruit and vegetables, tobacco and alcohol consumption, and sleep quality were self-reported. The Generalised Estimating Equation was calculated.

Women show significantly worse subjective well-being than men longitudinally. Higher scores in life satisfaction and positive affect were significantly related to a higher level of physical activity and better-quality sleep for both women and men. Associations between a higher life satisfaction and an adequate intake of fruits and vegetables and being a non-smoker was only found in women (OR = 1.05; 95% IC = 1.00, 1.10 and OR = 1.16; 95% IC = 1.09, 1.23, respectively).

Subjective well-being levels and frequencies in healthy behaviours are different in women and men. Subjective well-being interventions should take into account these differences in the frequency of healthy-unhealthy behaviours.