A generic concept reflecting concern with the modification and enhancement of life attributes, e.g., physical, political, moral and social environment.
The perception by individuals or groups of need satisfaction and the ability to achieve their goals in order to be happy and fulfilled.
A condition often given as one attribute or dimension of health. It is ill-defined, depending on the individual and his goals, the social setting and expectations (often of others), and other factors. The goal of much of health care is stated to be improved quality of life. One of the most challenging problems in health care is to measure quality of life so that (1) improvement can be identified, and (2) it can be used as a factor in cost-benefit analysis. There is a real danger that inability to express quality of life in numerical terms will mean that much valuable care will not be available because quality of life cannot be given a value and therefore cannot be used to justify the expenditure (to end up with a positive cost-benefit ratio rather than a negative ratio); consequently, mere survival could be the measure.
The objective conditions, consequences, or subjective value or satisfaction experienced in life. The concept holds varying meanings for different people and may evolve over time. For some individuals it implies access to resources, autonomy, empowerment, capability, and choice; for others, security, social integration, or freedom from stress or illness.
Form of living that allows a person to feel good about him-or herself and do most of the things a person wants to do despite any limitations the person may have.