An Integrated Conceptual Model of Quality of Life for Older Adults Based on a Synthesis of the Literature

Abstract

Quality of life is fast becoming a standard of measure of long-term care and gerontological service outcomes. Although the issue of quality of life has been of increasing interest in the field of aging, there has been little agreement as to the clarity and definition of the concept and how to measure it, especially as it relates to older adults. Presented here is a comprehensive, integrated model of quality of life that was developed by synthesizing existing constructs within the literature into six major life domains-(1) social well-being, (2) physical well-being, (3) psychological well-being, (4) cognitive well-being, (5) spiritual well-being, and (6) environmental well-being. Consistent with a general systems framework, this holistic model expands the predominant Health-Related Quality of Life constructs to incorporate non-physical aspects of well-being. Each of these domains was broken down into several dimensions in an effort to operationalize the concept of quality of life so that it can have some common standard of useful measurement. These major life domains and indicators are important factors in determining the perceptions of quality of life of older adults. Understanding what constitutes quality of life and how to measure it comprehensively has significant implications for social policy and practice in the field of aging.

Constructing the meaning of quality of life for residents in care homes in the Lebanon: perspectives of residents, staff and family

“…Whilst these studies are important contributions to understanding and practice (see for example: Bowling et al ., ; Degenholtz et al ., ; Harmer & Orrell, ; Kelley‐Gillespie, ), gerontological nursing literature that addresses care home residents’ perceptions and perspectives of quality of life predominantly follows a Western discourse and paradigm. For example, when the keywords ‘Lebanon’ and ‘Quality of Life’ are applied in combination with the MeSH terms ‘nursing home(s)’, ‘care home(s)’, ‘residential home(s)’, ‘well‐being’, ‘nursing’, ‘care’ to all relevant search engines, including PsychoINFO (1980–2012), PubMed/MEDLINE (1980–2012), CINAHL Plus (1980–2012) and Cochrane (1993–2012), only one study was found.…”

Home and Community Based Alternatives to Nursing Home Care in Rural Communities

“…This model is used consistently within the literature (Estes & Swan, 1992;Kelley-Gillespie, 2009;Rowan et al, 2011;Rudd, 1996;Van Beveren & Hetherington, 1995) and measures four major components of HCB service delivery: equity, accessibility, quality, and efficiency. Equity refers to the extent that adequate and responsive health services are available for those in need of care, irrespective of the ability to pay.…”

Quality of Life Assessment for Physical Activity and Health Promotion

“…As Gonzalez et al note, complex systems have multiple components that interact in dynamical ways and change over time. Kelley-Gillespie (2009) recently synthesized the literature on QoL and presented an integrated conceptual model of QoL for older adults. She noted the lack of consensus on models and measures, despite the widespread recognition of the role of QoL for older adults, and highlighted the importance of going beyond physical health-related domains and the medical model approach.…”