The broader QOL measures have been most widely
used. Proponents of these broad measures note that QOL is
an overarching concept that reflects the physical, mental,
and social aspects of an individual’s life [5]. Others,
however, point out that broad QOL measures may obscure
important nuances [6]. For example, an elderly person with
chronic illnesses may have poor health-related QOL but
high non-health-related QOL. Therefore, in any study, it is
important to decide whether a broad QOL measure or
measures of specific dimensions are most appropriate.
Similarly, there are discussions as to what constitutes
old or elderly [7]. Most developed countries have accepted
the chronological age of 65 years as a definition of
‘elderly’ or older person. It is often associated with the age
at which one can begin to receive pension benefits. This
common use of a calendar age to mark the threshold of old
age does not assume that biological aging starts at 65.
There is great variability in biological aging, and it is
generally accompanied by decline in one or more of a
person’s abilities in the physical and cognitive domains [8].
It is well established that decline in one or more of a
person’s abilities is associated with reductions in QOL [5].
However, the degree to which and the dimensions of QOL
affected will vary depending on the extent of decline in
abilities and other factors specific to individuals. Understanding
the connections between biological aging, individual
factors, and the dimensions of QOL is important for
planning of interventions and services to enhance QOL in
older adults.
In the study reported here, Andersen’s behavioral model
[9] was used to assess factors associated with QOL in older
adults. The model depicts how contextual and individual
characteristics, which include predisposing factors such as
demographics, enabling factors such as social, human, and
material resources, and need factors such as number of
chronic conditions, activities of daily living (ADL), and
mental status, influence health behaviors and QOL (Fig. 1).