Community Quality of Life Overview
Queens is reported to be among the healthiest boroughs in New York. However, the health factors have been determined to be lower than average. Specifically, Queens has higher rates of physical inactivity (31%) compared to the state and country averages (25% and 22%, respectively) (Queens, New York, 2023). Furthermore, the other variables that could be improved health-wise include the rate of mammography screenings and flu vaccinations. Other determinants that must be addressed are low high school completion rates and high unemployment, air pollution, and housing issues.
Key Quality of Life Statistics from the Website
The statistics are valuable in learning that, while Queens has a relatively high quality of life, certain aspects require more attention. Specifically, the health, social, and economic variables mentioned previously decrease the quality of life in the area, which is a concern. The findings imply that, despite the fact that the conclusion is a positive one, policies aimed at diminishing the measures that can benefit from reforms are important.
Additional aspects can be considered when determining the quality of life. Researchers mention the importance of reported happiness among the citizens (López-Ruiz et al., 2021). Reported happiness, while an objective measure, can highlight whether the Queens population is satisfied with the living conditions. Additionally, job satisfaction and reported safety are other elements that can contribute to a better understanding of the quality of life of the county’s community.
Additional Information Needed for a Full Picture
Learning about quality of life involves determining statistics on health, socioeconomic factors, and environmental factors. However, it is critical to inquire about the community’s feelings to assess the area’s subjective perception. The members can participate in surveys to identify potential areas of concern, such as reported feelings of unsafety, desires to relocate, and overall dissatisfaction and unhappiness. As a result, a fuller picture can be constructed of the quality of life as it refers to direct and indirect reports.
References
López-Ruiz, V.-R., Huete-Alcocer, N., Alfaro-Navarro, J.-L., & Nevado-Peña, D. (2021). The relationship between happiness and quality of life: A model for Spanish society. PLOS ONE, 16(11). Web.
Queens, New York. County Health Rankings & Roadmaps. (2023). Web.