Background: On a worldwide scale, the percentage of the population 60 years of age and older has increased considerably. Factors such as gender disparities, changes in family and social structure, the burden of illness and the risk of disability, among others, have awakened international interest in studying this age group's quality of life (QOL). The objective of the WHOQOL OLD Project was to develop a module for assessing the quality of life of older adults based on the existing WHOQOL OLD questionnaire.
Method: Twenty three centers worldwide, together with the WHO, took part. Focal groups consisting of older adults, caretakers and professionals were formed. The groups consisted of 4 to 6 participants who spoke openly and freely about their QOL, reviewed the WHOQOL 100 to identify new facets and the facets previously defined as important by participating centers.
Results: All the areas of the WHOQOL 100 were considered important for QOL. Six additional facets were identified: sensory abilities; autonomy; past, present and future activities; involvement / withdrawal; death; and intimacy.
Conclusion: The focus group methodology was useful for identifying the factors that contribute to older adults' quality of life. Developed under international consensus, it allows for QOL assessment from an international perspective.