The global aging population is rapidly increasing, prompting the United Nations to declare the "Decade of Healthy Aging" (2021-2030) with the goal of improving the quality of life for older adults. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is critical in this context, and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) provides a standardized framework for its assessment.

To develop a more precise method of assessing HRQoL using ICF codes, facilitating targeted interventions for older adults and improving healthcare management.

A cross-sectional study was conducted with older adults aged 60 and above who accessed primary healthcare services and had no cognitive impairment. Participants underwent HRQoL assessment using the SF-36, and ICF codes previously linked to SF-36 domains were classified using ICF qualifiers. A simple calculation method was developed to convert SF-36 scores into ICF qualifiers.

The study included 52 participants, with a mean age of 71.6±7.0 years, 92.3% of whom were women. The ICF framework qualified 27 codes from SF-36 domains. Moderate impairments were observed in the “Bodily Pain,” “General Health,” and “Vitality” domains, while “Physical Functioning,” “Social Functioning,” and “Mental Health” showed mild impairments. No impairments were noted in the “Role Physical” and “Role Emotional” domains.

This approach offers a more interpretable method for assessing HRQoL impairments, making it a valuable tool for evaluating the health of older adults. The integration of ICF standardizes assessments, improves communication between healthcare providers, and streamlines data collection, thereby enhancing overall healthcare management for older adults.

This study provides a more precise and standardized approach to assessing HRQoL in older adults, which can inform the development of tailored interventions. The use of ICF qualifiers enables better communication and understanding across healthcare teams, potentially leading to more effective healthcare management. Additionally, this method can optimize healthcare provision for aging populations.