Abstract
Objective. The aim of this study is to explain the effect of important covariates on the health-related quality of life (HRQol) in elderly subjects. Methods. Data were collected within a longitudinal study that involves 5256 subject, aged +or= 65. The Visual Analogue Scale inclused in the EQ-5D Questionnaire, tha EQ-VAS, was used to obtain a synthetic measure of quality of life. To model EQ-VAS Score a quantile regression analysis was employed. This methodological approach was preferred to an OLS regression becouse of the EQ-VAS Score typical distribution. The main covariates are: amount of weekly physical activity, reported problems in Activity of Daily Living, presence of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypercolesterolemia, hypertension, joints pains, as well as socio-demographic information. Main Results. 1) Even a low level of physical activity significantly influences quality of life in a positive way; 2) ADL problems, at least one cardiovascular disease and joint pain strongly decrease the quality of life.