Chinese-modified MIND Diet and subjective well-being in adults aged 60 years or older in China: a national community-based cohort study

Objective Observing the dietary principles of the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet has exhibited an association with a diminished occurrence of diverse ailments, enhanced mental well-being, and extended longevity. Nevertheless, current literature is deficient in terms of investigating the link between the MIND diet and subjective well-being (SWB) specifically in older adults. Hence, this study endeavors to examine the correlation between adhering to a Chinese-modified Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (cMIND) diet and SWB in the older Chinese adults, taking into account the unique dietary attributes of the Chinese population. Methods Using data from the latest four waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. Multiple linear regression and multinomial ordered logistic regression were employed to examine the relationship between the duration of adherence to cMIND diet and SWB in Chinese older adults. Results The results indicated a significant association between the duration of adherence to cMIND diet and SWB (1 similar to 6 years: B = 0.907, 95%CI = 0.508 similar to 1.307, P < 0.001; 7 similar to 9 years: B = 1.286, 95%CI = 0.767 similar to 1.805, P < 0.001; 10 years and above: B = 2.320, 95%CI = 1.677 similar to 2.963, P < 0.001). The longer the duration of adherence to cMIND diet, the higher the scores for life satisfaction (B = 0.184, 95%CI = 0.110 similar to 0.259; B = 0.312, 95%CI = 0.217 similar to 0.407; B = 0.321, 95%CI = 0.193 similar to 0.448), positive affect (B = 0.434, 95%CI = 0.209 similar to 0.658; B = 0.701, 95%CI = 0.400 similar to 1.003; B = 1.167, 95%CI = 0.775 similar to 1.559), and negative affect (B = 0.289, 95%CI = 0.078 similar to 0.500; B = 0.832, 95%CI = 0.479 similar to 1.185), suggesting a higher SWB score. Sensitivity analysis further supports our findings. Conclusion Considering the poor knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to diet among Chinese adults, especially older adults, it is imperative to implement dietary policies that promote SWB in older adults to enhance their happiness in later life.