Association between life satisfaction and health behaviours among older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

Introduction: Life satisfaction is a key indicator of successful ageing and reflects well-being. There is evidence of the association between life satisfaction and health behaviours among older adults. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis protocol seeks to determine the strength and direction of the association between life satisfaction and health behaviours among older adults.

Methods and analysis: This protocol followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols guidelines. We will search the electronic databases (MEDLINE, APA PsycINFO, Web of Science, CINAHL and Global Health) from inception to date. Only observational studies that described the association between life satisfaction and health behaviours-smoking, alcohol drinking, physical activity, diet/nutrition and sleep-will be included. Two independent reviewers will conduct screening, data extraction and risk of bias assessment of the articles. The risk of bias will be assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools for cohort and analytical cross-sectional studies. Studies will be included in the meta-analysis if they report zero-order associations between life satisfaction and health behaviours; otherwise, a narrative synthesis will be presented.

Ethics and dissemination: This study does not require ethics approval, as it involves analysing secondary data from published studies. The completed review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at conferences.

Trial registration number: PROSPERO (CRD42023441386).