Four Factors Influencing Quality Of Life

Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Health status of a person interprets way and perception to life. Optimum health status of older persons ensures satisfaction and quality living resulting in happy and enjoyable life. Good nutrition, easily accessible and affordable health services, family, support system and social interaction play an important role in achieving vital health status (World Health Organisation, 1997). Quality of life consists of multidisciplinary approach ranging from individual perception of their current position in life in the context of their culture, values, beliefs, goals, expectations and is affected by number of factors such as, social,

These factors affect quality of life of older adults to greater extent, as man is a social animal and socialization acts as a tonic to boost health status of older adults. Engagement in recreational activities and interaction with family, friends and support system eliminates loneliness and isolation and reduces the risk of depression, anxiety and psychiatric disorders and is harmful to older adults similar to smoking and acts as key factor responsible for wellbeing and successful ageing (Cuijpers, P., Karyotaki, E., Pot, A. M., Park, M., & Reynolds, C. F. 2014). The majority of older disabled New Zealanders live in the community, either in their own home or with families. age concern in new Zealand is doing a lot for alleviating loneliness and creating awareness by providing neglect and abuse prevention services, information,advice and support, establishes liason between client and community services, newsletter packed with local news, promotion, respect and prevention. It aware people to love and cherish, speak respectfully, encourage and active participation of elderly people in various

It is a planned and guided interaction between client and trained animal and has therapeutic effects on the individual as it helps to recover from or to cope with a psychiatric or health problems. Dogs and cats are commonly used for providing this therapy. It helps older people to eliminate loneliness, fear and anxiety as animals are best companions to humans and they offer unconditional love and affection at no cost. Therapeutic effects of this therapy includes lowering blood pressure, releasing endorphins, improves cardiovascular health. It also relieves anxiety, depression and boredom and helps to combat loneliness and social isolation. Other benefits include improvement in motor skills, building up of motivation and confidence (International Federation of Ageing, n.d.). In New Zealand St. John and SPCA Auckland is working by establishing joint venture with three hundred volunteer pet owners and animals visiting hospitals, rest homes and other health care providers and using potential of animals for healing (St. .John, n.d.). Pet therapy is a good initiative as pets keep their owners engaged in their care, feeding and taking them out for short walks and improving physical and mental well being of individuals as animals treat every patient equally, without criticism and