ABSTRACT
The concept of quality of life arose at the end of the 1960s as an alternative to the by that time dominant societal goal of an increasing material level of living. The American quality of life approach bases welfare measurement contrary to the level of living approach primarily on subjective indicators. Developing a conceptual framework for a 'European System of Social Indicators' two concepts of societal quality – the concepts of 'social cohesion' and 'sustainability' – have been considered as particularly useful to complement 'quality of life' as a concept focusing on individual welfare. Life domains like labour market opportunities and working conditions, which are of central importance for younger age groups, are obviously less important for the elderly. The selection of domains, dimensions and indicators takes into account that needs and value orientations may be given varying priorities and emphasis across the life cycle and thus be to some degree different for the elderly compared to younger age groups.
