Quality of Life among Senior Citizens: A Comparative Study Across Age and Gender

Abstract

Background: Rapid population aging has increased the importance of assessing quality of life (QoL) among senior citizens to guide health and social policy. Gender and advancing age are known to influence multiple dimensions of well-being, yet region-specific evidence from India using validated multidimensional tools remains limited.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 750 senior citizens aged 60–90 years residing in selected urban and rural areas of the Konkan Division, Maharashtra. Participants were selected using multistage sampling with probability proportionate to size. QoL was assessed using the Older People’s QoL questionnaire covering eight domains. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and Pearson’s correlation, with statistical significance set at P < 0.05.

Results: Most participants (68.27%) reported moderate QoL, while 19.6% reported good and 12.13% poor QoL. Females demonstrated
significantly higher mean scores in health, home/neighborhood satisfaction, psychological wellbeing, financial circumstances, and leisure activities (P < 0.05). No significant gender differences were observed in social relationships or perceived independence. Advancing age was significantly associated with declines in health, psychological well-being, financial satisfaction, home/neighborhood satisfaction, and leisure engagement, whereas overall life satisfaction, social relationships, and independence remained relatively stable.

Conclusion: Gender and age significantly influence specific QoL domains among senior citizens. Age- and gender-sensitive interventions focusing on health promotion, psychological support, and financial security are essential to enhance elderly wellbeing.