What factors impact upon the quality of life of elderly women with chronic illnesses: three women's perspectives.

This descriptive study investigates women's perspectives on their quality of life while living with chronic illnesses. Three women were recruited to this study, and interviewed. Participants discussed how they managed their chronic illnesses, and how they used past experiences, positive attitude, and coping strategies to assist them to create meaning in their lives. Improving our health care systems to respond to the demands of older people with chronic illnesses is one of the greatest challenges health providers face today. By understanding how quality of life is maintained by older people, we can ensure that health provision is tailored to meet the needs of this unique group of people.