A study of the impact of social participation on the subjective well-being of low-vision older adults in western China in the context of healthy aging

Background Low vision represents a significant global health issue, and its effects on the physical and mental health of the elderly have been extensively researched. However, the relationship between social participation and the subjective well-being of elderly individuals with low vision in China remains underexplored. This study focuses on the elderly with low vision residing in the main urban area of Chongqing, Western China, to investigate the impact and pathways of subjective well-being at both subjective and objective levels of social participation. Methods Purposive and convenience sampling methods were employed to select 274 elderly individuals with low vision who were monitored at the ophthalmology clinics of two tertiary hospitals in Chongqing, western China, as the subjects of this survey. The study utilized the Memorial University of Newfoundland Happiness Scale, the Social Participation Scale, and the Social Support Scale, along with a visual function-related quality of life scale to collect relevant data. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to examine the relationships among the research variables. Based on the theoretical model, a multiple mediating effect prediction model was established to assess the impact of social participation on subjective well-being. Linear regression analysis and the Bootstrap method were applied to evaluate the mediating effects within the prediction model. Results The overall average subjective well-being of elderly individuals with low vision in western China is measured at 24.75 ± 8.02 points, which indicates a lower-middle level of well-being. participation in social activities is a positive predictor of subjective well-being, whereas individuals' subjective feelings of social participation can negatively impact it. social support and quality of life related to visual functioning were identified as mediating factors influencing the relationships between social participation activities, feelings of social participation, and subjective well-being. Conclusion This study highlights the subjective well-being of elderly individuals with low vision in western China, as well as the pathways influencing the relationship between social participation-both subjective and objective-and their subjective well-being. It is recommended that healthcare professionals prioritize long-term care strategies for elderly patients experiencing low vision.