Objective To explore the association between self-efficacy and subjective well-being (SWB) among older adults, thus providing a scientific basis for developing measures to improve the SWB of older adults.

Methods A questionnaire survey was conducted from December 2018 to December 2023 among 27 352 older adults aged 65 and above, selected via a two-stage sampling method from 146 communities in 10 cities across China. The Chinese version of the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) was adopted to assess self-efficacy, and the Chinese version of the Personal Wellbeing Index for Adults (PWI-A) was used to assess SWB. A generalized linear regression model was employed to analyze the association between self-efficacy and SWB.

Results The 27 352 older adults showed the average SWB score of 52.76 ± 11.85 and the average self-efficacy score of 2.65 ± 0.72. The generalized linear regression model showed that without controlling for other factors, older adults with self-efficacy scores in the second (Q2), third (Q3), and fourth quartiles (Q4) had SWB scores 3.8 (95%CI: 3.4–4.2), 6.0 (95%CI: 5.6–6.3), and 11.0 (95%CI: 10.6–11.4) higher, respectively, than those with self-efficacy scores in the first quartile (Q1). After controlling for covariates, such as sex, age, and prevalence of chronic diseases, older adults with self-efficacy scores in Q2, Q3, and Q4 had SWB scores 2.5 (95%CI: 2.1–2.8), 4.0 (95%CI: 3.6–4.3), and 8.2 (95%CI: 7.8–8.6) higher than those with self-efficacy scores in Q1.

Conclusions There is a positive correlation between self-efficacy and SWB scores in older adults. Providing learning environments, psychological interventions, and improving physical health conditions can enhance the self-efficacy and SWB of older adults.