Cross-sectional studies suggest that personal resources, attitudes toward aging, and health behaviors serve as protective factors for well-being in later life. However, few studies have examined their unique contributions in combination or investigated their interrelations using longitudinal designs. This two-wave, six-month longitudinal study examined whether attitudes toward aging, health behaviors, and self-compassion mediate the relationship between wisdom and well-being in older adults.
At baseline, 400 Polish older adults were recruited, with 200 participants aged 60–87 completing both waves (M = 67.61, SD = 5.38). Participants completed the Three-Dimensional Wisdom Scale, the Attitudes to Aging Questionnaire, the Self-Compassion Scale – Short Form, the Health-Related Behavior Questionnaire for Seniors, the Mental Health Continuum – Short Form, and a demographic and health survey. Regression and mediation analyses controlled for age, sex, education, marital status, place of residence, employment status, and self-rated health.
Wisdom at baseline significantly predicted well-being six months later. This association was fully mediated by baseline self-compassion, health-related behavior, and attitudes toward aging. All three mediators were significant, with the strongest indirect effect observed for attitudes toward aging.
These findings highlight wisdom as a key psychological resource that facilitates adaptive self-attitudes and behaviors, thereby enhancing well-being over time. Interventions that foster wisdom, particularly those that promote self-compassion and more positive views on aging, may contribute to healthy aging and improved mental health in older adulthood.