The influence of non-health factors on quality of life

The aim of this master thesis is to analyze the influence of non-health factors on quality of life in member countries of the European Union. For the analysis, economic and developmental variables were used. The master thesis begins with analysis of life expectancy in the world due to quality of life directly affecting life expectancy. The next part is devoted to the analysis of the influence of GDP on quality of life and correlation between single dimensions of the Human Development Index. The Health index, Inequality-adjusted income index, Expenditure on public health and GNI per capita PPP were analyzed in order to illustrate their influence and importance in provision of quality of life. Unemployment of the age group 55+ and out-of-pocket spending were analyzed to demonstrate their influence on quality of life and life expectancy. Pension systems and retirement age were analyzed with connection to ageing of the population and fiscal problems arising from decreased fertility. Gender inequality is analyzed, drawing adverse consequences of a more equitable, but not a long-term oriented society. As a result of this master thesis, the conclusion was drawn in form of a Quality of life dilemma diagram. The diagram consists of all the variables analyzed in the master thesis displaying positive, negative and likely positive relationships between variables and quality of life. In the conclusion, the problem of sustainability of public finances, welfare state and competitiveness caused by longevity and low fertility affecting future quality of life in the European countries is summed up. The finding of this thesis is that quality of life is a very complex issue and in order to achieve a sustainable quality of life, all the variables have to be wisely governed. Short-term unbalanced improvements in quality of life will very likely retaliate in terms of deterioration of other variables in the future, pulling quality of life down. s