Current state and development of the theory and the method to study quality of life of the population

The article raises the problem of “terminological chaos” generated by the diversity of theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of quality of life and the necessity of systematization of scientific knowledge accumulated in domestic and foreign scientists in this field. It discloses the essence of the term “quality”. It describes the key stages in the development of ideas about quality of life: from the use of this category mostly in journalism, where it was propagandistic, to the use in the inter-disciplinary direction, which studies natural, social, psychological and other conditions of human existence. On the basis of critical analysis of foreign and domestic works devoted to the category “quality of life” the authors summarize and structure existing theoretical approaches to the definition of “quality of life”, identified and described medical, philosophical, ecological, geographical, sociological and economic approaches. The authors suggest using the concept of available opportunities within the economic approach. According to this approach, quality of life is an extension of human capacities for a long and healthy life, acquisition of knowledge, access to resources providing a decent standard of living. Resources are preserved for future generations and people’s safety and equality are ensured. The paper analyzes modern methodological approaches to the assessment of quality of life: makes typologies of methodological approaches to the estimation of quality of life in three key areas (objective, subjective and combined). Within the selected areas it discloses the methods of analysis and evaluation of quality of life of the population.