The role of cognitive function in the relationship between physical exercise and SWB
goal-oriented behaviors, decline in cognitive function, depression
The decline in cognitive function caused by aging is mainly manifested in a decline in self-control and executive function. Self-control refers to the process or behavior of resisting temptation or prioritizing (simultaneous or long-term) goal attainment [Furthermore, psychological research has shown that increasing self-control level can promote individual’s SWB. For example, individuals with high self-control have lower depression, while individuals with low self-control experience higher depression [Executive function refers to the ability to plan, initiate, sequence, and monitor complex goal-oriented behaviors, as well as to control complex activities [Based on the above analysis, physical exercise can improve the cognitive function, especially self-control and executive function of the aged. And the enhancement of these cognitive components further improves SWB of the aged. Additionally, the development of executive function can promote self-control. Therefore, hypothesis 4 is proposed: Executive function and self-control play a chain mediating role between physical exercise and SWB. And based on this, a hypothesis model of this study is constructed (see Fig. 
Hypothesis model for this study