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.