Quality of life

When we talk about something that will improve our quality of life, it implies that something which will increase the sense of satisfaction of well being. This is a condition resulting from the combination of the effects of a complete range of factors such as those determining health, happiness, education, social and intellectual attainment, freedom of action, justice and freedom of expression. This is a composite measure of physical, mental and social well being as perceived by the individual or a group of individuals.

There are three indices for quality of life –

• Happiness,
• Psychological well being,
• Life satisfaction.

Happiness is a mental state or condition that occurs when one’s subjective desires and aspirations are relatively met. Psychologists consider it as the ratio of material consumption and desire. Happiness, not only refers to a material well being. But is also concerned with personal judgments in an economic matter, family considerations, and health. Life is considered as happy when it is more meaningful and purposeful.

 Psychological well being is one’s own perception of their everyday life activities. Such feeling may range from negative mental state to positive outlook.

Life satisfaction is the degree to which one reports satisfaction with the salient features of one’s life and space. It refers to the judgmental processes in which the individual assesses the quality of life on his unique set criteria. This is individual’s subjective evaluation of the degree to which his or her most important goal, wishes, and needs have been fulfilled.

The over three ideas are between related. Life satisfaction generates a feeling of well being which in turn produces happiness.

There are a number of factors which influence the quality of life.

Demographic factors like age, sex, and socioeconomic status are known to affect the quality of life.

Personal variables like education, health, home environment, occupation, recreation also influence the same.

Social variables like interpersonal relations, neighborhood and strength of civic agencies too decide the quality of life.