Using machine learning to explore the predictors of life satisfaction trajectories in older adults

Abstract Life satisfaction is vital for older adults' well‐being, impacting various life aspects. It is dynamic, necessitating nuanced approaches to capture its trajectories accurately. This study aimed to explore the diverse trajectories and predictors of life satisfaction among older adults in China using longitudinal data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Latent class growth modeling and growth mixture modeling were employed to identify distinct trajectories of life satisfaction. Machine learning (ML) models were developed to predict different trajectories and identify important predictors of different trajectories. Four distinct trajectories of life satisfaction were identified, showcasing nuanced patterns of life satisfaction that changed over time. ML models, especially random forest, effectively predicted these trajectories. Emotional experiences (particularly the frequency of happiness and loneliness), body mass index, and self‐report health emerged as significant predictors of different life satisfaction trajectories. Our finding revealed the importance of focusing on individuals or groups with consistently low life satisfaction and paying more attention to mental and physical health predictors. Our models might guide future targeted preventative treatments.