Based on the Broaden-and-Build Theory and the person-Environment Fit Theory, this study examined how life satisfaction influences cognitive function among older adults, with a particular focus on the independent and sequential mediating effects of instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) and depressive symptoms. Using nationally representative cross-sectional data from the 2020 wave of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), 6,724 adults were selected aged ≥60 with complete key variables. After adjusting for potential confounding factors(e.g., age, gender, education), a chain mediation analysis was conducted with SPSS 26.0 and the Hayes’ PROCESS macro (Model 6). Indirect effects were tested using 5,000 bootstrap samples. Life satisfaction showed a significant total indirect effect on cognitive function was significantly positive (β=0.264, 95% CI: 0.224–0.306),. In contrast, the direct effect was significantly negative (β=-0.155, 95% CI: -0.257–-0.054), indicating a suppression effect. Three pathways were identified: (1) Life satisfaction indirectly promoted cognitive function by improving IADL (reflected by lower IADL scores) (β=0.056, 21.33% of the total indirect effect); (2) It indirectly promoted cognitive function by alleviating depressive symptoms (β=0.181, 68.37%); (3) It operated through the chain pathway of “IADL → depressive symptoms” (β=0.027, 10.30%). The protective effect of life satisfaction on cognitive function in older adults is primarily exerted through mediating pathways. 

Tian Qingqing, Feng Jie, Xiao Xiao, Jiang Yi. Associations with Life Satisfaction with Cognitive Function among Older Adults: Chain Mediation Effects of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living and Depressive Symptoms. Academic Journal of Humanities & Social Sciences (2026), Vol. 9, Issue 3: 15-24. https://doi.org/10.25236/AJHSS.2026.090303.

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