Factors associated with quality of life in older adults
in the United States
Purpose According to the World Health Organization,
quality of life (QOL) includes physical and mental health,
emotional well-being, and social functioning. Using an
adaptation of Andersen’s behavioral model, we examined
the associations between the three dimensions of QOL and
needs and health behaviors in a nationally representative
sample of adults 65 years and older.
Methods A representative sample from the 2005–2006
National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
(NHANES) was used. NHANES over-samples persons
60 years and older, African Americans, and Hispanics.
Frequencies and distribution patterns were assessed, followed
by bivariate and multiple regression analyses.
Results These older adults reported high levels of QOL.
However, associations between needs and health behaviors
and QOL varied across dimensions. Activities of daily
living (ADL) were associated with all three dimensions.
Depression was associated with two dimensions and
memory problems with one dimension. Physical activity
was linked to social functioning, and health care utilization
was linked to emotional well-being.