Square dance participation and subjective well-being among urban older adults: mediating roles of social support and optimism.

BACKGROUND: Promoting a happier society is an important goal of social development, and subjective well-being is a key indicator of quality of life. With population aging in China, older adults may be more vulnerable to negative emotional states. Group-based physical activities, such as square dance, have become popular among older adults due to their accessibility and potential psychological benefits. METHODS: Using a convenience sampling approach, this study recruited urban older adults aged 60-69 years who regularly participated in square dance exercise. Notably, the final sample was predominantly female (94.55%), which should be considered when interpreting the findings. Data were collected using validated scales, including the PARS-3, Social Support Scale, LOT-R, and the Chinese Urban Residents' Subjective Well-being Scale (short version). Analyses were conducted using SPSS 27.0 and AMOS 26.0, and mediation effects were tested using bootstrap analysis. RESULTS: Square dance participation, social support, optimism, and subjective well-being were significantly positively associated (p < 0.01). Square dance participation was associated with subjective well-being (total effect β = 0.507), with a direct effect of 0.205. Social support partially mediated this relationship (indirect effect = 0.233), as did optimism (indirect effect = 0.034). A sequential mediation effect through social support and optimism was also observed (indirect effect = 0.035). CONCLUSION: Square dance participation is positively associated with subjective well-being among older adults, with this relationship partially explained by social support and optimism.