Ethical Dimensions of Quality of Life in Aging: Autonomy vs. Collectivism in the United States and Canada

Ethical concepts lie at the core of how quality of life in aging is defined and enhanced. Although recent American attention has been largely focused on autonomy as an important value for quality of life in old age, there is real danger in emphasizing personal independence at the expense of community or collectivism. This conceptual analysis compares and contrasts these value orientations in the U.S. and Canada and examines their relationship to the concept of quality of life in aging. It also explores implications of the analysis for expanding our understanding of the importance of value dimensions in comparative gerontology, and suggests ways of integrating individualistic and collectivistic ideals in gerontological policies and programs.