Subjective wellbeing, health, and ageing are closely linked, with three key aspects: evaluative wellbeing (life satisfaction), hedonic wellbeing (emotional experiences), and eudemonic wellbeing (life purpose). Recent studies show a U-shaped relationship between evaluative wellbeing and age in high-income English-speaking countries, with the lowest levels in middle age. However, this pattern varies globally, with some regions showing a progressive decline in wellbeing with age. Physical health and subjective wellbeing are bidirectionally linked; poor health reduces wellbeing, while high wellbeing may improve health outcomes. Evidence suggests that higher eudemonic wellbeing is associated with increased survival in older adults, with those in the highest wellbeing quartile having significantly lower mortality rates than those in the lowest. These findings highlight the importance of subjective wellbeing in health policy. The relationship between wellbeing and survival is consistent with a protective role of high wellbeing, though alternative explanations remain possible. Subjective wellbeing is influenced by factors beyond health, including material conditions, social relationships, and roles. Research indicates that wellbeing may act as a protective factor for health, reducing chronic illness risk and promoting longevity. The study also highlights the need for further research to understand age-related patterns of wellbeing across different populations. The findings suggest that older populations, despite being less healthy and productive, may experience less stress and worry than middle-aged individuals. However, these patterns are not universal, and variations exist across regions. The study emphasizes the importance of considering subjective wellbeing in health and economic policy, as current theories do not fully account for global variations in wellbeing patterns. The research underscores the need for continued investment in longitudinal studies to better understand the relationship between wellbeing and health in older populations.Subjective wellbeing, health, and ageing are closely linked, with three key aspects: evaluative wellbeing (life satisfaction), hedonic wellbeing (emotional experiences), and eudemonic wellbeing (life purpose). Recent studies show a U-shaped relationship between evaluative wellbeing and age in high-income English-speaking countries, with the lowest levels in middle age. However, this pattern varies globally, with some regions showing a progressive decline in wellbeing with age. Physical health and subjective wellbeing are bidirectionally linked; poor health reduces wellbeing, while high wellbeing may improve health outcomes. Evidence suggests that higher eudemonic wellbeing is associated with increased survival in older adults, with those in the highest wellbeing quartile having significantly lower mortality rates than those in the lowest. These findings highlight the importance of subjective wellbeing in health policy. The relationship between wellbeing and survival is consistent with a protective role of high wellbeing, though alternative explanations remain possible. Subjective wellbeing is influenced by factors beyond health, including material conditions, social relationships, and roles. Research indicates that wellbeing may act as a protective factor for health, reducing chronic illness risk and promoting longevity. The study also highlights the need for further research to understand age-related patterns of wellbeing across different populations. The findings suggest that older populations, despite being less healthy and productive, may experience less stress and worry than middle-aged individuals. However, these patterns are not universal, and variations exist across regions. The study emphasizes the importance of considering subjective wellbeing in health and economic policy, as current theories do not fully account for global variations in wellbeing patterns. The research underscores the need for continued investment in longitudinal studies to better understand the relationship between wellbeing and health in older populations.