What Older Adults Have to Say About Quality of Life

Researchers Gabriel and Bowling (2013) conducted a study in Britain to determine what constitutes quality of life among older adults.  They interviewed 999 community-dwelling older adults that included in-depth follow-up two years later.  Here is how older adults in England describe quality of life.  The interviewees did not express a desire to be young or win the lottery.  Below are the major themes that were discussed by the older adults:

“Having good social relationships

Having help and support

Living in a nice home in a nice neighborhood

Living in a safe neighborhood

Living in a neighborhood with access to local services including transportation

Engaging in hobbies and leisure activities [solo]

Maintaining social activities

Retaining a role in society

Having a positive psychological outlook and acceptance of circumstances that can’t be changed

Having good health and mobility

Having enough money to meet basic needs

Participating in society

Enjoying life

Retaining independence and control” (p. 675).

Zahava, G., & Bowling, A. (2004).  Quality of life from the perspectives of older people. 

      Aging & Society,23, 675-691.  doi: 10.1017/SoI44686X03001582