title: [International perspective on quality of life in older adults. The WHOQOL OLD project].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  On a worldwide scale, the percentage of the population 60 years of age and older has increased considerably. Factors such as gender disparities, changes in family and social structure, the burden of illness and the risk of disability, among others, have awakened international interest in studying this age group's quality of life (QOL). The objective of the WHOQOL OLD Project was to develop a module for assessing the quality of life of older adults based on the existing WHOQOL OLD questionnaire.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty three centers worldwide, together with the WHO, took part. Focal groups consisting of older adults, caretakers and professionals were formed. The groups consisted of 4 to 6 participants who spoke openly and freely about their QOL, reviewed the WHOQOL 100 to identify new facets and the facets previously defined as important by participating centers.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All the areas of the WHOQOL 100 were considered important for QOL. Six additional facets were identified: sensory abilities; autonomy; past, present and future activities; involvement / withdrawal; death; and intimacy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The focus group methodology was useful for identifying the factors that contribute to older adults' quality of life. Developed under international consensus, it allows for QOL assessment from an international perspective.
authors.affiliation: Institut de l'Envelliment, Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, España. Ramona.Lucas@uab.es
authors.forename: Ramona
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lucas Carrasco
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology*; D014943:Global Health; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires