Quality of Life

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Quality of Life measures the percentage of the population sufficiently healthy to live independently (not including those who reside in nursing homes or other institutions). Reflecting the most recent data available (2021).

Quality of Life is 95% - 19 in 20 people are healthy enough to live independently*

*Defined as not having health issues (physical, mental, or emotional condition) that impact a person's ability to live independently.

There has been a gradual increase in Quality of Life in most areas of San Diego County. The report below shows the following charts: Data by Year, HHSA Service Regions, City and Sub-regional Areas. Simply click on the report's forward or back arrow to view each chart. (Reports are best viewed and printed in Google Chrome.

To print, click on Full Screen Mode (double-headed arrow, bottom right). Right-click on the desired report page and select print. (You may need to adjust setting to print "Background graphics".) For additional assistance, please contact us.

Why We Measure Quality of Life

senior exercising As in other western countries, those aged 65 and older are the fastest growing portion of the population. People are now living longer lives and the ability to live independently is one of the indicators, when measured overtime, that can assess whether there is an increase or reduction in disability or interdependence in the population. Evaluations, such as Blue Zones, Healthy People 2010 and Healthy People 2020, all measure the quality of life as an indicator for success.

Research, Best Practices & Logic Model – Quality of Life
View research, best practices, and example of the collective impact logic model related to Quality of Life

What We Can Do to Improve Quality of Life

Incorporate exercise and physical activity into organizations and programs to affect individually-adapted health behavior changes. Exercise as a ‘prevention strategy’ can prevent disability, even in older adults. The LIFE (Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders) trial showed that a carefully structured, moderate-intensity physical activity program can reduce risk of losing the ability to walk without assistance, perhaps the single most important factor in whether vulnerable older people can maintain their independence. The ability to complete basic daily activities may decrease if illness, chronic disease, or injury limits physical or mental abilities of older adults.

Each year, 1 out of 3 older adults falls; ‘Fall Proofing Your Home’ outreach campaigns for seniors & disabled can help reduce this risk. Falls often cause severe disability among survivors, and injuries from falls can lead to the following.

Sedentary behavior
Impaired function
Lower quality of life

Expanded Indicator Related to Quality of Life

The percent of adult population without Self-Care Difficulties is a related indicator to the top ten Quality of Life indicator. The report below shows the following charts: Data by Year, HHSA Service Regions, City and Sub-regional Areas. Simply click on the report's forward or back arrow to view each chart.

To print, click on Full Screen Mode (double-headed arrow, bottom right). Right-click on the desired report page and select print. (You may need to adjust setting to print "Background graphics".) For additional assistance, please contact us.