Longitudinal associations between perception of future time and subjective well-being among middle-aged and older people in China: the moderating roles of individual health and socioeconomic status

Abstract

Purpose: This study examined the longitudinal association between perception of future time (PFT) and subjective well-being among middle- and old-aged people in China, and investigated the moderating roles of individual health resources and socioeconomic status (SES) in the association between PFT and subjective well-being. Methods: Data for this study drew from a final sample of 10,644 respondents aged 45 years and above from four waves (2011–2018) of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Subjective well-being was measured by depressive symptoms and life satisfaction. Multilevel linear modelling (MLM) was applied to analyse the main effects of PFT on depressive symptoms and life satisfaction over time and the moderating effects of individual health resources and SES. Results: After controlling for the covariates, perceived future time as extended was associated with fewer depressive symptoms (β = − 0.85, p < 0.001) and higher levels of life satisfaction (β = 0.07, p < 0.001). Significant moderating effects of individual health resources (self-rated health, functional limitations and chronic diseases) and SES (urban–rural hukou) were found in associations between PFT and depressive symptoms. Conclusion: Perceived future time as extended was associated with better subjective well-being. These associations differed in relation to different individual health resources and SES. This study extends understanding of Socioemotional Selectivity Theory and helps identify vulnerable people when they feel near to death.