Subjective well-being patterns in older men and women without someone to confide in: a latent class analysis approach

This study aimed to identify the latent subtypes of subjective well-being (SWB) and associated factors in older adults without a confidant in China.

The data came from the most recent (seventh) wave (2018) of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). This cross-sectional study included 350 older adults who lacked a close confidant. We utilized latent class analysis and multiple logistic regression models to examine the latent SWB subtypes and associated factors.

Three distinct patterns of SWB were identified: the very low SWB class (32%), the medium-low SWB class (46%), and the low evaluative and high affective SWB class (22%). The results indicated that compared to the low evaluative and high affective SWB class, respondents who self-rated their health as not good, currently drank alcohol and rated their financial status as poor/very poor were more likely to be in the very low SWB class, while those who participated in social activities were less likely to be in the very low SWB class. Respondents who had limitations in instrumental activity of daily living (IADL) and rated their financial status as poor/very poor were more likely to be in the medium-low SWB class. However, gender did not affect SWB patterns.

Our findings highlight awareness of the heterogeneity of SWB in older adults without close confidants and provide valuable information for the development of tailored intervention programs to improve their well-being.