Purpose: Mexico is going through an accelerated increment of the older adults population, which added to the conditions of poverty, places them in a high degree of vulnerability. Bearing this in mind, the aim of this paper is to identify which categories or factors generate the perception of subjective well-being (SWB) in older adults in Mexico. Design/methodology/approach: This qualitative study was carried out in four Mexican states: Mexico City, Tamaulipas, State of Mexico and Oaxaca. Each state presents different levels of social well-being. The study participants were selected using the snowball method. In total, 41 in-depth interviews were carried out, which were analyzed with a thematic analysis approach. Findings: Results show that older people’s SWB is related to different elements like family bonds, having good physical and mental health, personal development and practicing religion. Research limitations/implications: Results represent experiences only for people interviewed in the states in which interviews were conducted, not representing national scope. Future studies can expand the territorial scope to have a higher comprehension regarding SWB in older adults. Originality/value: These findings have implications in the design of public policies and programs, for improving the delivery of social and economic services to older adults within the Mexican context.