Background <p>This research examines the link between indoor air pollution and life satisfaction, considering health status as a mediating variable.</p> Methods <p>It utilizes a mediation analysis approach, drawing on data from 1st wave of the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) carried out in 2017–18, involving a sample of 29,517 individuals aged 60 and older. The analysis proceeds through three models: first, examining the direct association of indoor air pollution with life satisfaction; second, assessing the impact of pollution on health; and third, integrating both to evaluate the mediation effect.</p> Results <p>Findings indicate a significant negative direct association of pollution with life satisfaction, with an association strength of -0.55(95% CI:-0.75 to -0.35, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001), and on health, with an association strength of -0.05(95%CI:-0.07 to -0.05, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001). Additionally, the mediation analysis, supported by the Sobel-Goodman Mediation Test (Z = -4.298, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001), reveals that health mediates 12.9% of the total effect of indoor pollution on life satisfaction.</p> Conclusions <p>These results underscore the critical role of health as a mediator in this relationship. Interventions aimed at reducing indoor air pollution could significantly enhance the well-being of older adults by improving their health.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>