Objectives: To systematically review and analyse the content of scales used to measure well-being and quality of life (QoL) among older persons. Secondary aims were to examine content overlaps between scales developed specifically for older persons (age-specific) and age-generic scales psychometrically evaluated in older populations, as well as between positively and negatively worded items and between scales targeting well-being and QoL.Methods: A literature search was conducted in PubMed, PsycInfo, and CINAHL. Items from included scales were categorised using a framework for well-being and QoL scales. Descriptive statistics illustrate the content distribution, and Jaccard index estimates content overlap.Results: A total of 744 items from 35 scales were included. Among the age-specific scales for older persons (n =19), the most common dimensions were personal circumstances, personal relationships, and physical health. For age-generic scales (n =16), activities and functioning, personal relationships, and self-acceptance were most prominent. Average content overlap was 0.42 (range 0.22–0.55) for age-specific scales, indicating moderate overlap.Conclusion: While there is some consistency in content across age-specific well-being and QoL scales for older persons, notable heterogeneity remains. In addition, this study sheds light on the operational similarities and distinctions between scales aimed at generic and older populations.
Melin et al. (Mon,) studied this question.
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