Quality of Life in Older Adults

ByRichard G. Stefanacci, DO, MGH, MBA, Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson College of Population Health
Reviewed/Revised Mar 2024
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Quality of life is often defined as the degree to which a person is healthy, comfortable, and able to participate in or enjoy special occasions and activities. As such, it is highly personal. What one person views as quality of life could vary widely with another person's. For many people, quality of life often revolves around health and health care options, so when people and their doctors are making decisions about medical issues. they should consider the effect quality of life.

When discussing quality of life, older adults, their caregivers, and their doctors should keep the following in mind

  • The best medical decisions vary from person to person.

  • These decisions do not depend solely on age.

  • Avoiding language and attitudes that suggest bias against older adults (ageism) is important. For example, people should not assume that someone at a particular age should not have certain medical care or not participate in certain activities simply because of their age.

Ageism can lead to too much or too little care and negatively affect quality of life.

Communicating with Health Care Professionals

People should talk to their doctors and other health care professionals about their quality of life and the effect of their health issues on their life. People and health care professionals should work together to determine health care goals. Even people with mild dementia or cognitive impairment can make their goals and preferences known when health care professionals use simple explanations and questions. Having family members present when discussing the goals of a person with cognitive impairment may be helpful.

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