Comparison of the quality of life of adults and elderly

Objectives : This study was examine a relationship those variables with health-related quality(HRQOL) of life in the elderly and provide basic information on HRQOL and evidence for establishing effective health policies for old ages ultimately. Methods : This research was conducted through individual interviews using a structured questionnaire and oral status examinations of 600 residents The data have been analyzed using $X^2$ -test through PASW Statistics 18.0.0(SPSS Korea Datasolution Inc.) and Structural Equation Modeling through LISREL ver8.8. Results : According to the Structural Equation Modeling, independent variables which influence the health-related quality of life are as follows: sex the highest, followed by existence of chronic diseases, perceived health, age, perceived oral health the lowest. Parameters are as follows: oral health-related quality of life the highest, followed by subjective oral symptoms, and oral health status the lowest. Conclusions : In order to improve the quality of life of olds, it is not only necessary to improve perceived health through reduce of chronic diseases, but is also required to regular tooth check-up to reduce subjective oral symptoms for increase oral health-related quality of life.