Quality-of-life in older adults: its association with emotional distress and psychological wellbeing

There is consistent evidence of the impact of depression and health on Quality of Life in older adults. However, the influence of anxiety or psychological wellbeing aspects has been less extensively studied. This study aims to assess the association between quality of life and sociodemographic characteristics (gender, age), levels of health, emotional distress (anxiety and depression) and psychological wellbeing (personal growth and purpose in life).

The survey was conducted with 361 older adults (mean age = 68.44 years) This study was of cross-sectional design.

We found that the older adults’ quality of life increased when increased the levels of health, personal growth and purpose in life and when there were lower scores in anxiety and depression. This model explained 63.2% of variance. In contrast, sociodemographic characteristics did not show any association with quality of life.

A better understanding of the factors associated with quality of life could help health professionals to develop interventions that enhance it. Efforts to address older adults’ quality of life focusing on older adults’ perceived health and emotional status should be considered.