Identifying Connections Between the Subjective Experience of Health and Quality of Life in Old Age

Abstract

The importance of qualitative methods in quality of life (QoL) studies is being increasingly recognized. Whereas attention has mainly focused on the exploration of relevant domains, subjective well-being, and representations of health in aging, less consideration has been given to relations among different QoL domains. We aimed in this research to identify connections between subjective health and other relevant domains from the perspective of older adults. We identified four central categories: adaptation to the limits of health in aging; seeking a balance in subjective health and QoL in aging; sense of place in centers for older people; and health and family interrelated dimensions of QoL in old age. According to the participants, the family domain positively impacts health as a consequence of contacts, support, and accomplishments. It might also have a negative impact as a result of a relatives’ death or severe disease. The qualitative QoL perspective contributes to capturing the multidimensionality of health, aging, and place.