[Subjective values of quality-of-life dimensions in the elderly]

The present study analyzes the subjective importance of five quality-of-life dimensions among non-institutionalized elderly people (>65 years old).

A Thurstonian design for paired comparisons was used to estimate subjective values for five quality-of-life dimensions (health, autonomy, housing, family and social support networks, and social activities) in a sample of 404 persons (168 men and 234 women) aged 65-94 years old.

The most important dimension was health, which was given the highest subjective value, followed by personal autonomy. The third most important dimensions were housing adapted to age-related needs and support networks, with practically equivalent values. The least important dimension was social activities.

Significant differences between genders were detected in educational level and income, but the rank order of the dimensions and the subjective values assigned to them were equivalent for men and women.