Quality of life

It is a combination of welfare (material conditions, standard of living) and the subjective experience of well-being, which results in individual or social satisfaction.
Quality of life can be examined from an individual and from a social point of view.
The standards of a sensible and happy life depend on social factors (e.g. the standards of governance, accepted norms and traditions, forms of access to resources, the health of the physical environment and the condition of trust in society), which either provide space for or restrict individuals in giving form to their desires and needs and to specify their life’s ambition.
The subjective quality of life largely depends on individuals’ attitudes, their ability to perceive and comprehend reality, gained through their experiences and through feedback from their social relations. Belonging to a loving and approving community is a crucial dimension of the quality of life, as it provides a positive attitude and confidence, which in turn provide the joy of good functioning.
The ‘Having, Loving, Being’ model by Finnish researcher Erik Allardt identifies 3 decisive factors: Possessing certain goods, connecting and loving strongly, and existing (thus fulfilling our human nature).

 
This article based on the following document: Community development methodological guide