QoL, a reflection of a nation’s well-being

Development discourse

Everyone aspires to live a happier and more fulfilling life. Physical, financial, social, cultural, spiritual needs, among others, should be met to achieve these goals. One of the main bases for measuring how developed a country is the quality of life (QoL) of its citizens. But, QoL is complex and encompasses a range of factors, such as personal well-being, health, education, environment, and economic stability. Actually, a person’s physical, mental and spiritual well-being, relationships, education, employment status, social standing, money, sense of security and safety, freedom, decision-making autonomy, social belonging, and physical surroundings are all common aspects of quality of life.

The elements impacting QoL change as societies do, thus it's critical to continuously evaluate and redefine what a good life is. 

According to Charles Kennedy, ‘Quality of life actually begins at home—it’s in your street, around your community’. It is essential to consider the state of the human development index in order to live a quality life. Education, health, employment, per capita income and average income are some of the indicators of the quality of life. The human development index is based on similar factors, such as the satisfaction of fundamental needs and the dependability of security. “The reason I exercise is for the quality of life I enjoy” is the voice of Kenneth H Cooper. In this way, if a citizen starts living happily, he will definitely become creative. This is why the country will not be built until the citizens become creative.

This article delves into the key elements of quality of life, examining recent trends and the current state of affairs globally, 

Physical and mental welfare

Health, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), is a condition of whole physical, mental, and social well-being as opposed to only the absence of sickness. A person’s capacity to lead a satisfying life is directly impacted by their state of health, which is the foundation of quality life. Additionally, mental health is being acknowledged as a vital aspect of quality of life.

Learning and lifelong acquiring

Education is essential for both sustainable development and the fight against poverty, according to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Why? Because education is a powerful driver of QoL that opens the door for better job opportunities, enhancing social mobility, and fostering personal growth. The brilliant light of education is a vital component for each and every person as well as family. This enables someone to act honorably, sensibly, and well. It contributes to raising families’ and individuals’ standards of living. In today’s world of rapid change, acquiring new skills, adjusting to a changing job market and engaging in lifelong learning are becoming increasingly crucial.

Employment and economic stability

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), high unemployment rates have a negative effect on QoL, since it can cause stress on one's finances, social isolation and worsen mental health. The key factors influencing QoL are employment security and economic stability. Even if there is a key factor, in the context of Nepal, due to the Covid-19 and the subsequent global economic recession, this problem is especially affecting the youth. However, the government has not taken any concrete initiative. Having a steady income makes it possible for people to pay for needs like housing, healthcare and education, which enhances their quality of life overall.

Quality of environment

Leo Tolstoy states, “One of the first conditions of happiness is that the link between man and nature shall not be broken.” 

The environment plays a significant role in shaping QoL. Greenery, fresh air and water are beneficial for both mental and physical wellness. Climate change and environmental degradation pose serious dangers to quality of life, affecting communities all over the world through pollution, bad weather and biodiversity loss. Maintaining a good standard of living for future generations requires sustainable development and environmental preservation.

Social networks and community

One of the longest-running studies on happiness, the Harvard Study of Adult Development, discovered that strong relationships play a critical role in preserving one's physical and emotional well-being throughout life. A sense of belonging and involvement in community events support both social well-being and individual fulfillment. Strong, enduring bonds with friends and family boost life satisfaction and offer emotional support. Within a community, social trust and relationship networks promote collaboration and assistance among members.

In the case of Nepal, untouchability, blind faith and several other unscientific practices are destroying people’s quality of life. Beliefs that harm girls’ self-esteem and character development include elevating boys above other family members, viewing powerful families as having many sons, and claiming that if you don't have a son, you won’t enter paradise. In the same vein, celebrations that involve heavy drinking, feasting, dowries, witchcraft, etc, lower the standard of living. A regular supply of nutritious and balanced food is essential for a quality life.

According to the 2023-24 report titled ‘Ending the Deadlock: Reimagining Cooperation in a Polarized World’ published by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Nepal’s Human Development Index (HDI) value has reached 0.601. Nepal stands in 146th position out of 193 countries covered against 149th position in 2021. Nepal’s HDI has increased by 0.010 since 2021. which is greater than the 0.004 global average index. Nepal falls in the medium human development category. A human development index value in the range of 0.550-0.699 is classified as being in the medium category. The research indicates that Nepal’s gross national income (GNI) per capita has varied by approximately 165.7 percent between 1990 and 2022.

“The Nepal Human Development Report 2020: Beyond Graduation: Productive Transformation and Prosperity” comes in the context of the upcoming graduation of Nepal from the least developed country category. Nepal has been committed to attaining a smooth, sustainable, meaningful and irreversible graduation, recognizing that for more inclusive development, it is important to look beyond the economic yardsticks and toward more ingrained social and environmental factors of development,” Prof Puspa Raj Kadel, former vice-chair, National Planning Commission, wrote at Nepal Human Development Report 2020. According to a UNDP report, nine out of every 10 citizens around the world support democracy. More than half of the people surveyed said they had no or limited control over their lives. Prof Kadel said that the contradictions that have appeared in global democracy are hindering collective action.

Conclusion

The concept of quality of life is a complex, dynamic concept, shaped by a multitude of interconnected elements. An individual’s well-being is greatly influenced by their social networks, schooling, health, and environmental conditions. Reducing inequalities and guaranteeing that everyone has the chance to live happy, healthy and successful lives are critical as societies develop further. 

Moshe Feldenkrais says, “Movement is life. Life is a process. Improve the quality of the process and you improve the quality of life itself.” 

Let’s wrap up this quote with another quote from Feldenkrais: Improve the quality of the process and you improve the quality of life itself.