When assessing an older adult's quality of life, what measure should a gerontological nurse utilize?

The most suitable measure for assessing an older adult’s quality of life is self-reported well-being. This measure captures how individuals perceive their own lives, encompassing aspects such as satisfaction, happiness, and mental health. It reflects a person’s subjective experience, which is critical in understanding their quality of life.

While active life expectancy, which considers the number of years an individual can expect to live without significant health issues, does contribute to understanding life quality, it does not fully encompass the personal and subjective dimensions that define an individual's experience of well-being. Similarly, functional status is important but primarily focuses on physical capabilities rather than the holistic view provided by self-reports of well-being. Life expectancy, while informative regarding lifespan, also lacks the personal perspective necessary to truly gauge an older adult's quality of life.