Relationship between subjective well-being and cognitive performance in older adults

The study of subjective well-being (SWB) is fundamental to positive psychology, being considered a potential protective factor for health and the maintenance of cognitive reserve during aging. Despite international evidence, there are gaps in the Brazilian literature regarding how specific components of SWB relate to different cognitive domains. Objective: To analyze the relationship between subjective well-being and cognitive performance in cognitively healthy Brazilian older adults. Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted with 183 older adults (mean age 67.3 years). Scales for General Life Satisfaction (SGV), Domain-Referenced Life Satisfaction (SVRD), and the Positive and Negative Affect Scale were applied. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination-Revised (ACE-R) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Data were analyzed via Spearman’s correlation matrix. Results: The sample showed a female predominance and high educational level (mean of 17 years). Participants exhibited high levels of SWB and good cognitive performance. General life satisfaction correlated positively with the MMSE and the attention/orientation domains of the ACE-R. Satisfaction with mental capacity (SVRD_Mental) showed a significant correlation with global performance in both cognitive tests. However, no significant correlations were found between affect states (positive or negative) and cognition in this sample. Conclusion: Healthy, highly educated older adults exhibit high levels of subjective well-being and satisfactory cognitive performance. The results reinforce the association between life satisfaction and cognitive reserve, suggesting that SWB may act as a marker of successful aging.