Indicators affecting the quality of life of an individual and society

Quality of life (QoL) is the sum of individuals’ well-being and welfare, encompassing a number of dimensions and impacting decisions regarding individual and collective life. We aimed to identify the indicators which are affecting the quality of life of an individual and the society. An internet searches in English and Polish were performed covering the period January 2002 - August 2022. Based on the identified publications, the indicators determining the quality of life can be divided into internal and external. Internal indicators are considered at the individual level and two groups of conditions may be identified: the individual’s own characteristics and situational factors. External factors include socio-economic variables that consist of social, cultural, religious, political, and economic factors. Considering social indicators, we can state that the achieved economic growth has contributed to extend the average life expectancy, however a positive correlation occurs only to a certain level. Available data shows that in many developed countries there is also an impact of interpersonal relations and involvement in social life on QoL. The social inequalities issue requires an action in order to avoid worsening and an increase of conflicts, or cases related to mental disorders, crime, and other problems faced by young generations.