Quality of life means an individual’s experience of their own life in relation to expectations, activities, and opportunities regarding life: the ability to live their own life. Depending on the context, this can mean different things, such as contentment, happiness, a sense of meaning, security, or wellbeing.
Quality of life in relation to health
Chronic illnesses may negatively impact quality of life. At the same time, quality of life in relation to health may vary based on the current stage of illness. Quality of life in relation to health refers to the individual’s experience of their state of health and of wellbeing in relation to health.
Health, then, is not just the absence of illness. Factors playing into it include physical, psychological, and social capability and wellbeing, in terms of things such as how the illness affects coping with daily routines and social life, including relationships with friends and participating in hobbies.
Quality of life in palliative care
Palliative care considers the patient’s needs in a comprehensive manner and aims to impact the patient’s experience of their quality of life.
A serious illness affects the lives of those around the patient as well. Social relationships, family and friends have a big impact on the patient’s quality of life. That’s why providing support to those close to the patient is an important aspect of palliative care. When the patient’s loved ones are coping and doing well, the positive effects can be seen in the patient’s quality of life as well.
Having a serious illness and experiencing reduced functional capacity may cause a person to reassess their priorities in life. In the best-case scenario, setting new goals may even result in improved wellbeing and contentment compared to the situation before the illness.