What is quality of life?

As outlined in the video, definitions of quality of life are personal, can be different for different people, and can even change as we age.

However, if we want to measure people’s quality of life, we need to somehow define it.

Think about your own quality of life for a moment and answer the following questions by posting your thoughts in the Comments below:

• Can you list three essential elements of having a good quality of life?
• Have the elements that you now view as essential to a good quality of life changed over your lifetime?

Please note that further reading, including the research papers referenced by Eithne in the video, are available as links at the bottom of the page, should you wish to delve more into the topic.

Eithne Sexton is a Research Fellow based in the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.