Mexico is going through an accelerated increment of the older adults population, which added to the conditions of poverty, places them in a high degree of vulnerability. Bearing this in mind, the aim of this paper is to identify which categories or factors generate the perception of subjective well-being (SWB) in older adults in Mexico.
This qualitative study was carried out in four Mexican states: Mexico City, Tamaulipas, State of Mexico and Oaxaca. Each state presents different levels of social well-being. The study participants were selected using the snowball method. In total, 41 in-depth interviews were carried out, which were analyzed with a thematic analysis approach.
Results show that older people’s SWB is related to different elements like family bonds, having good physical and mental health, personal development and practicing religion.
Results represent experiences only for people interviewed in the states in which interviews were conducted, not representing national scope. Future studies can expand the territorial scope to have a higher comprehension regarding SWB in older adults.
These findings have implications in the design of public policies and programs, for improving the delivery of social and economic services to older adults within the Mexican context.
