Comparison of health-related quality of life and associated psychological factors between younger and older patients with established rheumatic disorders

Abstract

Older patients with rheumatic diseases experience more impaired HRQOL than the younger ones, and the management and prevention of functional limitations and psychological distress should be a priority, since they are strongly associated with HRQOL. Pain also warrants attention in all age groups, but especially in younger patients. Personality factors impact on HRQOL in younger patients, and this might be relevant to psychological interventions.