Association Between Higher-Level Functional Capacity and Subjective Well-Being in Older Adults with Chronic Conditions: A Cross-Sectional Study

The aim of the present study was to examine the associations between higher-level functional capacity and subjective well-being (SWB) in older adults with chronic conditions. We used data from a self-administered questionnaire survey conducted in two day-service facilities and one home-visit nursing station. We performed multiple linear regression analyses with SWB measured by the revised Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale and higher-level functional capacity including instrumental self-maintenance, intellectual activity, and social role. 140 persons were included in the analyses. We did not find an association between instrumental self-maintenance and SWB (<i>B</i> = 0.30, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.15, 0.75). On the other hand, intellectual activity (<i>B</i> = 0.77, 95%CI: 0.19, 1.34) and social role (<i>B</i> = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.34, 1.43) were associated with SWB. Being intellectually active and performing social role may be important to increase SWB in older adults with chronic conditions.