Self-perceived quality of life of Chinese elderly people in Hong Kong

Abstract

Central to the philosophy of occupational therapy is a commitment to the improvement of clients' quality of life (QOL). There has been a growing interest in the QOL of elderly people in Hong Kong. Social and cultural differences may preclude the application of QOL findings for elderly people in Western countries to their Hong Kong counterparts. This study, which is the preliminary phase of a larger study, explored the QOL of Chinese elderly people in Hong Kong from their own perspective. Focus group interviews were conducted with six Chinese communityresiding elderly people who identified the following domains and component elements as being important to their QOL: physical and functional well-being (good health, leisure), psychological well-being (life satisfaction, happiness), social well-being (social interaction, social network/support) and economic well-being (money, housing). Further investigation of factors including self-concept, self-pride, personal autonomy, role fulfilment, and coping ability is required to determine if these are QOL elements for this population. Participants' culturally related philosophical beliefs were found to influence their QOL. ©Whurrr Publishers Ltd.