The impact of cultural leisure activities participation on older adults’ subjective well-being: an empirical study in China

Abstract

Background: Investigating the relationship between cultural leisure activities participation and subjective well-being (SWB) in older adults not only deepens our understanding of their cultural needs and leisure activities participation but also provides a scientific basis for enhancing their SWB and promoting active aging. Methods: Data from the 2021 China General Social Survey (CGSS) was used in this study. An Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression model was employed to examine how participation in cultural leisure activities influences the subjective well-being of older adults. Results: The study revealed that cultural leisure activities participation was significantly positively associated with SWB among older adults. This conclusion remained robust even after addressing endogeneity concerns using the propensity score matching method. Heterogeneity analysis indicated that the associations between cultural leisure activities participation and SWB were most pronounced among older adults in rural areas, with lower levels of education, and living in western regions. Mediation analysis further demonstrated that cultural leisure activities participation enhanced SWB by improving self-reported health and mental health. Conclusions: It was recommended that relevant authorities encourage older adults to participate in cultural leisure activities through favorable policies and improved cultural facilities, enhance the age-friendliness of cultural services, increase cultural investments in rural areas, and promote social engagement and community connections to boost the SWB of older adults.