A coordinated analysis of bidirectional associations between life satisfaction and cognitive function

Life satisfaction is an important component of well-being to consider in relation to cognitive function due to its modifiability, potential utility in public health policy, and associations with cognitive health outcomes. However, little is known about the directionality of the association between life satisfaction and cognitive function, and past longitudinal work has yielded mixed findings. Using a coordinated data analytic approach, the current research used data from five longitudinal studies with at least three co-occurring waves of life satisfaction and cognitive function assessments, including over 60,000 individuals aged 50 years and older across multiple countries. Bivariate latent growth curve models and random intercept cross-lagged panel models were used to model between- and within-person associations and to test the potentially bidirectional association between life satisfaction and cognitive function over time. Findings revealed modest between- and within-person associations between life satisfaction and cognitive function. At the between-person level, individuals with higher life satisfaction also had higher cognitive function, and the two constructs changed together across time. However, initial levels of one did not predict long-term change trajectories in the other. At the within-person level, declines in life satisfaction predicted subsequent declines in cognitive function, and vice versa. The current research advances our understanding of the relationship between life satisfaction and cognitive function, suggesting that these constructs change together in the long term and predict changes in each other in the short term. Findings provide observational evidence for the potential utility of life satisfaction in promoting healthy cognitive aging. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).