Having a stable financial situation and maintaining your health. Being in balance both physically and mentally. Laughing often and having kind people around you. Feeling that your life is generally good and doesn’t make you want to escape to a deserted island. These are some ideas of what quality of life can be.
From an academic perspective, quality of life is defined as a person’s subjective experience of their own well-being in relation to their life conditions. What quality of life actually means can vary between individuals and is influenced by factors such as environment, circumstances, and values. Because these aspects differ significantly from person to person, quality of life often becomes a philosophical question. The discussion can range from the most basic human needs to how we achieve self-actualization.
In societies where human rights are established and where strong social structures exist, conversations often revolve around how we can relax, enjoy life, and fulfill our dreams. However, many would generally agree that a good quality of life is characterized by a harmonious balance between physical, mental, economic, and social factors.
Quality of life is not static; it changes along with you and the society you live in. Today, we also encounter new types of factors that influence quality of life compared to the past. Work and leisure are increasingly intertwined, technology plays a major and central role in our lives, and social aspects have taken on new forms of distribution. All of this has both positive and negative effects. Therefore, the definition of quality of life is both fluid and constantly evolving.
It is thus a complex subject that touches on both individual and societal aspects. By understanding what affects it, we can improve our own quality of life and contribute to a better living environment for others.
Quality of life in healthcare
Quality of life is at the heart of healthcare. It is a very important aspect of treatment and care. It is, of course, important that a patient overcomes illness or receives the correct medical treatment, but how the individual’s daily life and well-being are affected by care is equally important. Quality of life in healthcare is therefore not only about curing diseases, but also about ensuring that patients can live as well and as independently as possible despite any health issues.
To safeguard quality of life in healthcare, the following are often prioritized:
- Access to fast and equitable care
- Maintaining high standards in pain management and symptom relief
- Providing psychological support to manage anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges
- Encouraging patient participation in their care plan so they can have a say in the treatment they receive
- Palliative care – supportive care when a disease is incurable
Reduced quality of life
When life is marked by friction, or when a particular aspect becomes unbalanced, it can lead to a perceived decline in quality of life. For example, long-term stress, financial insecurity, social isolation, or chronic health problems can negatively affect a person’s well-being. People often feel that this limits their ability to do or achieve what they want. It can also mean restricted routines, a lack of routines, or a sense of losing control over one’s life.
To improve quality of life, it can therefore be important to identify and work on the areas that create imbalance—such as through support from healthcare services, social networks, or changes in lifestyle and daily habits.
If you would like to get in touch with a psychologist for professional help, you can make an appointment directly at Mindler.
