Quality of life in older age: a psychological review of mental health dimensions
Quality of life in older age is one of the most important indicators of well-being and psychological func- tioning in older adults. With the increase in life expectancy and the ageing of the population, attention to the psychological factors that influence the experience of this stage of life has increased significantly. This article analyses the scientific literature on quality of life in older age, with a special focus on the dimensions of mental health and psychological well-being. The literature review examines the role of depression, anxiety, emotional functioning, social support, and coping mechanisms in shaping quality of life. The findings show that perceptions, emotional well-being, and psychological resources have a stron- ger influence on the quality of life of older adults than their objective physical health. Mental well-being, a sense of meaning, and personal autonomy, together with social support, are consistently associated with higher levels of quality of life in older age. In this context, the article emphasizes the need to integrate psychological interventions within a biopsychosocial approach to the care of older adults.