Cognitive functioning and life satisfaction as predictors of subjective health complaints in elderly people

Abstract

Purpose

Effective cognitive functioning elucidates the orchestrated interplay of diverse mental faculties in addressing daily tasks, potentially indicative of an improved state of an individual’s health. Linked to this is the potential role of life satisfaction, which may aid individuals in better managing their health-related challenges. The purpose this study is to examine whether the cognitive functioning and life satisfaction levels of elderly individuals serve as predictors of their subjective health complaints.

Design/methodology/approach

The research involved a cohort of 126 elderly community residents. The assessment tools used encompassed a socio-demographic questionnaire, the mini-mental state examination (MMSE), the scale of subjective health complaints and a life satisfaction scale.

Findings

The findings reveal that both cognitive functioning and life satisfaction are predictive variables for subjective health complaints, validated in both the original sample and simulated samples.

Originality/value

This study’s innovation lies in highlighting the importance of cognitive functioning and life satisfaction among the elderly population as explanatory factors for subjective health complaints. Consequently, these dimensions warrant consideration in specialized intervention programs aimed at promoting the health and quality of life among the elderly.

Citation

Serra, L. and Silva, L. (2024), "Cognitive functioning and life satisfaction as predictors of subjective health complaints in elderly people", Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, Vol. 25 No. 2, pp. 83-91. https://doi.org/10.1108/QAOA-08-2023-0055