Perceived Control, Control Strategies, and Subjective Well-being in the Elderly: A Longitudinal Study of Health Behavior

Objectives: We analyzed the directional effect of perceived control and control strategies on subjective well-being in middle-aged and elderly people with historical data, and to provide data support for the intervention of well-being in the later years of the elderly group, so as to help them age successfully.Methods: Using data from the CLHLS between 2005 and 2014, we collected demographic and social data of the same elderly population over the decade. We also gathered information on changes in well-being, perceived control, and the use of control strategies. To analyze the longitudinal relationship between subjective well-being and perceived control, including the impact of control strategies on subjective well-being, we used a multilevel growth model with MPLUS. Results: We found that subjective well-being and perceived control were not affected by time. However, changes in perceived control in older adults could predict their level of subjective well-being. Those with higher initial levels of perceived control experienced greater increases in subjective well-being. Additionally, the use of control strategies had a significant influence on changes in subjective well-being, explaining 70.5% of the variance. Conclusion: Combined use of multiple control strategies is a feasible way to improve subjective well-being in later life.