Perspective Chapter: Quality of Life (QoL) Calculations and Interventions across Divergent Societies

Abstract

Before the industrial revolution, living standards largely hinged on population size. With the advent of the industrial age, technological progress became the main influencer. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) initially served as a primary indicator of national well-being, tying economic growth directly to overall quality of life (QoL). Nevertheless, GDP falls short in encompassing diverse elements of QoL, such as environmental health, personal well-being, and cultural richness. Contemporary QoL indicators now encompass life expectancy, mortality rates, and satisfaction surveys. Depending on a nation’s GDP, QoL strategies vary. Lower-income countries benefit more from cost-effective public health measures, while affluent nations can invest in sophisticated biomedical research and comprehensive mental health care. The success of these interventions largely rests on the unique economic, political, and cultural landscapes of each nation. Therefore, monitoring these metrics at the national level and customizing interventions will optimize improvements in well-being.