BACKGROUND: The ultimate goal of the occupational therapist is to enhance or maintain a client's quality of life. PURPOSE: It is difficult, however, to find an operational definition of this concept. This article presents the results of a concept analysis of quality of life in the context of older adults with physical disabilities. RESULTS: Quality of life is defined by a subjective evaluation of the life circumstances of an individual with respect to his/her values. The results indicate the importance of physical, psychological, social and spiritual well-being, the satisfaction with life and the accomplishment of meaningful occupations. A satisfying functional state, manifested by the presence of adapted behaviors and the feeling of control over one's life are also useful to consider. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: This definition suggests that occupational therapists should broaden the vision of their treatment objectives (beyond the realization of activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living) and offer some avenues for the enhancement of quality of life.
BACKGROUND: The ultimate goal of the occupational therapist is to enhance or maintain a client's quality of life. PURPOSE: It is difficult, however, to find an operational definition of this concept. This article presents the results of a concept analysis of quality of life in the context of older adults with physical disabilities. RESULTS: Quality of life is defined by a subjective evaluation of the life circumstances of an individual with respect to his/her values. The results indicate the importance of physical, psychological, social and spiritual well-being, the satisfaction with life and the accomplishment of meaningful occupations. A satisfying functional state, manifested by the presence of adapted behaviors and the feeling of control over one's life are also useful to consider. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: This definition suggests that occupational therapists should broaden the vision of their treatment objectives (beyond the realization of activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living) and offer some avenues for the enhancement of quality of life.