Characteristics of the quality of life (QOL) and its related factors for the elderly

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This study mainly aimed to determine the characteristics of quality of life (QOL) and its related factors in the elderly. We reexamined validity and reliability of the existing QOL scales (PGC morale scale, GDS, LSI and CED) representing the constructs of QOL such as life-satisfaction, morale and depression, and confirmed their availability. Then, the relationships between QOL characteristics and its related factors including lifestyle, health status and social network, were examined from the viewpoints of gender and age-stage differences. Furthermore, throughout these examinations, we proposed a new life-satisfaction scale.Life-satisfaction: The life-satisfaction level of the old-old (75 years or over) females was lower than that of males. A subjective evaluation of physical fitness and health status, frequency of exercise, participation in volunteer activity, regularity of food habits and number of friends significantly related to satisfaction with physical health status and daily li … More fe in the community dwelling elderly.Morale: A significant age difference in morale was found, being especially low in the old-old females. Morale in the elderly significantly associated with satisfaction to economic state, existence of spouse, subjective evaluation ofphysical fitness and health status, regularity of food habits and number of friends.Depression: Depression in the old-old females was highest as compared with the other gender and age-stage groups. In the young- and old-old males and the old-old females, depression in unemployed elderly was lower than that of employed elderly. Depression of the elderly with satisfaction with economic condition was low, and this trend was remarkable in the young-old elderly rather than the old-old elderly. Subjective evaluation of physical fitness and health status, frequency of exercise, participation in volunteer activity and number of friends significantly associated with depression regardless of gender and age-stage differences.As stated above, QOL of community dwelling elderly was complexly related to various life-style factors. A qualitative improvement of life-style will be necessary to increase QOL of the elderly. Less