To be happy and behave in a healthier way. A longitudinal study about gender differences in the older population
Introduction: 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. Method: A representative sample of 1,190 Spanish non-instituti...
| Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | article |
| Publication Date: | 2023 |
| Country: | España |
| Institution: | Universidad Autónoma de Madrid |
| Repository: | Biblos-e Archivo. Repositorio Institucional de la UAM |
| Language: | English |
| OAI Identifier: | oai:repositorio.uam.es:10486/712676 |
| Online Access: | http://hdl.handle.net/10486/712676 https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/08870446.2021.1960988 |
| Access Level: | Open access |
| Keyword: | positive affect negative affect life satisfaction healthy life old middle age Psicología |
| Summary: | Introduction: 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. Method: 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. Results: 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). Conclusion: 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 |
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