Updated on March 18th, 2022
Meaning of ‘Quality of Life’
The term ‘Quality of Life’ is a very broad and an ambiguous term and may mean different to different people. For some, good quality of life may mean being wealthy with a palatial house, fleet of cars, frequent exotic travel trips and so on. To someone else it may mean a good healthy body with a life of moral values. Yet to someone else, it may mean to able to live with just adequate means with a feeing of contentment and peace of mind.
Your Happiness and Contentment depends upon Quality of your Life
One’s level of happiness and contentment greatly depends on the quality o your life.“Quality of Life“ has has both physical and non-physical aspects. The non-physical part includes your psychological, emotional and spiritual aspects. One may have all the physical comforts and luxuries and yet may not enjoy a good quality of life due to psychological and emotional baggage which cause him anxiety and bursts of depressions in life. On the other hand, another individual may have limited resources barely to meet his necessities and yet may enjoy a good quality of life due to his emotional and spiritual health which make him feel contented.
In simple terms, it means degree to which an individual is healthy, comfortable, and able to enjoy life. World Health Organization defines it as ‘individuals’ perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live, and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards and concerns. There are no standard laid down factors or parameters to measure one’s quality of life quantitatively.
However, the following factors are widely accepted to constitute one’s quality of life:
Good Health and Wellness status
Health and your Quality of Life are inter-dependant. Good health contributes greatly to the Quality of Life. At the same time, good quality of life definitely has a positive impact on health.
Social wellbeing & Relationships
Social factors and strong relationships make you feel good and contribute to your emotional growth and overall health.
Satisfying Employment
In general, one’s feelings about his/her job such as working conditions, time to commute, interpersonal relationships, rewards, benefits and a well defined career path contributes a lot towards Quality of Life.
Clarity on Purpose and Meaning in Life through Spiritual Development
Having a clear purpose of life is the key to achieving contentment and eventually peace of mind. Spiritual People have a clear purpose which makes their lives meaningful.They realise that the purpose of life is to find Happiness which is means communion with God. The joy and calmness one achieves with this communion cannot be expressed in words.
Perception and attitude towards life
Even if one is not financially strong and cannot afford a very high standard of living but yet due to his positive outlook, he may perceive a feeling of contentment and joy.
Good Financial status
Financial well being is an important component of Quality of Life. Being financially sound gives you access to good quality of food, more comforts and access to medicines and health care facilities which directly contribute to your health and good Quality of Life.
Good Work Life Balance
Having a good work-life balance leaves adequate time for leisure, time with family and entertainment and contributes to one’s health.
Security and Freedom
Security and Freedom that one one enjoys both during working and in personal life is an important factor that determines the quality of life.
Environmental conditions
Environmental conditions like climate and access to clean drinking water with no air pollution. Access to clean air and water and non-polluting environment has a direct impact on your health and well-being.
High education Level
High education Level and Self Development: Education level is another determinant of Quality of Life. If one is educated, he understands what is good or bad for him and can make choices which are beneficial and healthier for him.
Effective and Judicious utilisation of Technology
Effective use of computers and smartphones for activities like health monitoring, financial transactions, e-learning, communication and gaining fast access to information is a boon and enhances the Quality of Life. At the same time, addiction to these devices for social media and unfiltered load of information makes them a curse. Excessive screen time strains the eyes and leaves less time for outdoor activities. Therefore, Judicious use of these devices definitely improves the Quality off Life.
Activities that can add to your Quality of Life
Everyone is different and the way in which one person enjoys may not appeal to another. But there are definitely certain common ingredients which one may seek as they are under your control:
Do what you like and like whatever you do, It could be a productive engagement or a pastime or entertainment, but so long as love doing it, it will definitely make you feel good and enjoy. Follow your passions.
Exercise regularly to keep yourself fit. It helps release of Endorphin hormone which makes you relaxed and happy.
Do things which benefits others. Selfless service in giving it to nature or to the society, releases Serotonin hormone which acts as a mood stabiliser and makes you happy.
Eating well and taking care of yourself at any age makes you feel good. So let age not discourage you from maintaining yourself with fashion trends suiting your life style.
Travel more and explore the world. It is one activity which will refresh your mind and make your life exciting.
Try and always keep a positive mindset. Keep a company of positive and lively people.
Take adequate rest and always have a Good Night sleep.
How to calculate Quality of your Life
What are the most important factors that determine the Quality of Life. Is it possible to measure these factors and come to a quantitive figure indicating the degree of Quality of Life that a person enjoys. These factors can be broadly divided into categories given below, To come to a quantitative figure indicating level of Quality of Life that one enjoys, there is a requirement to come to a weightage given to each factor. Although this aspect is quite subjective and may vary from individual to individual. However for the purpose of this article, I have given the weightage that I consider to be most appropriate after a comprehensive research. The Weightage given to each factor is added in parenthesis. With these weightage, given the necessary inputs it would be possible to calculate one’s Quality of Life:
| Factor affecting Quality of Life | Weightage |
| Health and Wellness factors | 20 |
| Education Level, Technology and Self Development Factors | 20 |
| Social Factors & Relationships | 20 |
| Financial Factors | 15 |
| Purpose in Life and Spiritual Development | 10 |
| Work Life Balance | 10 |
| Environmental Factors | 5 |
| Total | 100 |
Analysis of Score on Quality of Life
Allot marks in each attribute out of weightage given in parenthesis and total it up to arrive at your total score.
| Total Score | Quality of Life |
| Less than 60 | Needs attention. Make efforts to improve |
| Between 60 and 70 | Fair |
| Between 70 and 75 | Good |
| Greater than 75 | Excellent |