quality of life [L, qualis, what kind; AS, lif] , a measure of the optimum energy or force that endows a person with the power to cope successfully with the full range of challenges encountered in the real world. The term applies to all individuals, regardless of illness or disability, on the job, at home, or in leisure activities. Quality enrichment methods can include activities that reduce boredom and allow a maximum amount of freedom in choosing and performing various tasks. Although assessment tools are available to evaluate physical and social dimensions of quality of life, an individual’s general sense of well-being or satisfaction with the attributes of life is often more difficult to evaluate.
