ABSTRACT
Since the days of the ancient philosophers, Western societies have been concerned about the well-being of individuals.1 From an individual perspective and the philosophical tradition, the concept of quality of life (QoL) includes the idea of happiness, as well as an individual’s ability to pursue activities that are personally and subjectively valued. From a societal perspective, QoL concerns such things as quality of housing, environment, jobs, and community services, and their availability to members of society. Using QoL as viewed from a societal perspective, individual countries can be compared at a single point in time, and the well-being of individuals in society can be monitored over time. Philosophers and demographers have examined both of these aspects of QoL and wellbeing for some time. However, it is only during the past two decades or so that these considerations have been applied to health-related issues.
