An evidence-based review on the influence of aging with a spinal cord injury on subjective quality of life

Spinal Cord, 2012 · DOI: 10.1038/sc.2012.19 · Published: August 1, 2012

Simple Explanation

This review examines how quality of life (QoL) changes as people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) get older. It looks at studies that have tracked QoL over time in this population. The review found that individuals with relatively new SCI have the potential to improve their QoL, regardless of their age. For those who have lived with SCI for many years, their overall QoL is generally reported as good or excellent, although satisfaction in specific areas of life may vary.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Twenty-one studies were included for review

Evidence Level

Level 4 Systematic Review

Key Findings

1
Individuals with relatively new SCI (≤5 years post-injury) have the potential to improve their overall QoL and various QoL domains, regardless of their chronologic age.
2
Among individuals with SCI between 6 and 15 years, and ≥16 years at the beginning of observations, overall QoL is consistently reported as good or excellent over time.
3
Satisfaction with employment tends to increase over time, while satisfaction with social and sex lives may diminish.

Research Summary

This systematic review aimed to identify changes in subjective quality of life (QoL) as one ages with a spinal cord injury (SCI). The review included 21 longitudinal studies, revealing that individuals with recent SCI have the potential to improve QoL, and those with longer-term SCI generally maintain good QoL. The authors conclude that more longitudinal research is needed to validate these findings and better understand the factors influencing QoL in aging individuals with SCI.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Strategies

Rehabilitation programs should focus on helping individuals with recent SCI maximize their QoL potential and address specific factors influencing QoL in different age groups.

Long-Term Support

Healthcare providers and support systems should recognize that individuals with long-term SCI can maintain good QoL, but may need support in specific domains like social and sex life.

Future Research

Future research should prioritize longitudinal studies with rigorous methodologies to validate the findings and explore interventions to improve QoL in aging individuals with SCI.

Study Limitations

1
The identified studies provide low levels of evidence.
2
There remains a general lack of consensus of what constitutes the quality of someone’s life
3
The studies included for review may have been affected by the survivor effect.

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