[Quality of life in old age]

Quality of life is a concept describing the aptitude of an individual to function in a given environment and to draw satisfaction from it. It is associated with the notions of good health and well-being. Quality of life is first and foremost a subjective concept. When confronted with the problems of a chronic disease, the elderly subject him/herself must evaluate its repercussions and the effectiveness of medical interventions. Preventive measures and specific geriatric care have increased the longevity and quality of life of old people. It is important to stress that specific geriatric care does not weigh heavily on health-care expenditure and is profitable in the long term. However, this extra longevity is accompanied in a significant minority of people by multiple sensory and/or cognitive disabilities, loneliness and dependency, with a negative impact on people's view of this period of life.