Deinstitutionalization and women. Assessing the consequences of public policy

Age, gender and quality of life

This paper addresses the effect of age and gender on the subjective quality of life of people with severe and persistent mental illness. Subjective quality of life was assessed in a group of 95 men and 70 women using the Satisfaction with Life Domains Scale (SLDS) and five open-ended questions. Although statistical analyses showed no difference between men and women on quality of life, age was systematically related to satisfaction level with older participants being more satisfied with their lives than their younger counterparts. Responses to the open-ended questions revealed that fewer of the older, more satisfied respondents expressed worries, desire for change and plans for the future. These results are discussed with respect to the links between subjective quality of life, aspirations and the rehabilitation process.