The Quality of Life Among the Elderly: Decoding of the Experts and Active Ageing

Abstract

This qualitative study was an attempt to gain understanding and explain the meaning of quality of life (QoL) among the elderly. knowledge for practice and knowledge in practice were decoded and derived from experiences and emic view. The subjects of the study consisted two groups of key informants: five experts (X) and three active ageing (AG). Both of them were selected by means of purposive technique and in-depth interview was employed to collect the data.

Findings reviewed the following: the QoL of the elderly vary according to their context, definition and key influence domain of QoL cannot be separated. It can be explained that the elderly’s life status was perceived by themselves underneath a context and a meaning of social system where they live and relating to individual purpose, social standard and concerned. However, the possibility of quality of life depended on two key factors. First, Internal factor from themselves were included 1) their preparation and long-term planning in advance 2) keeping good physical, mental, social, and spiritual health 3) forming securities and safety. Second, external supporting factors was to enhance social and cultural ecosystem which can be summarized as follows: 1) having interactions with others 2) living in appropriate environment and with supportive facilities and 3) gaining government supports, also there are development program/curriculums.