Quality of life among aging spinal cord injured persons: long term rehabilitation outcomes

Abstract

Until recently, the sequelae of aging with a spinal cord injury (SCI) have not been examined comprehensively by the scientific community. Due to medical advances resulting in extended life expectancies for those with SCI, several investigations have been undertaken. Reviewed in the article are the results of available studies designed to evaluate the quality of life of aging SCI persons and the importance of quality of life to the evaluation of rehabilitation and the importance of quality of life to the evaluation of rehabilitation outcomes. Data indicate that the quality of life enjoyed by those with SCI, young and old, is relatively good and, in the case of older SCI veterans, is actually better than similarly aged able-bodied males.