1 research outputs found
Launceston's elderly population : a quality of life analysis
Quality of life is a concept of a rather imponderable nature.
This study commenced with a consideration of the measures used in
other research, with the purpose of evaluating the relevant
provisions in the context of the elderly population of the Launceston
Urban Area. A definition of 'elderly' was sought, based upon the
effects and role of aging in our society. By means of a comprehensive
review of the literature, the needs of the elderly were examined
and three key elements in life satisfaction distinguished - housing,
motility and social relationships/activity levels. In addition it
was anticipated that spatial differences in the provision of these
elements would exist.
An interview schedule was designed to elicit information on the
provision of the key elements and the factors influencing them at the
individual level. Following a broad review of the significance of
location among elderly people and their distribution in the Launceston
Urban Area, a sample of approximately 5 per cent of the total was
selected, locationally stratified but otherwise random.
Each element was analysed separately following a review of
relevant literature to provide a basis for evaluation of the local
circumstances. Thus, each respondent was placed in a ranked group
relating to the quality of his/her housing, motility and social
relationships/activity levels.
In the final chapter the information on the three key elements
is combined to provide an index labelled QLP (quality-of-life
potential) for each respondent. As the literature and the previous
analyses suggested that socio-economic status and aging are major factors in life quality and satisfaction, their impact on the
Launceston Urban Area elderly was established. Finally, the
factors operating to create disadvantage not explicable in terms
of socioeconomic status and aging were examined, and found to
relate largely to location in areas of commercial invasion and
recent public housing estates. The characteristics of these areas
operating negatively on the quality of life of the elderly
residents were distinguished through further analysis and interviews