A Review on Assessment of Probiotics Impact on Quality of Life in Elderly Population Using Whoqol-Bref Scale

Promoting healthy aging and improving the quality of life (QOL) in the elderly has emerged as a significant public health priority. Aging is often associated with physiological, psychological, and social changes that can adversely affect overall well-being. The gut microbiota have a large influence on various aspects of health, including digestion, immune function, cognition, and mood. Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts helps to modulate gut microbiota and subsequently support overall health.In older adults, age-related alterations in gut microbiota composition, weakened immune responses, decline in cognitive functions and a higher burden of chronic diseases can contribute to a diminished quality of life. Probiotic supplementation has been proposed as a non-pharmacological strategy to restore microbial balance, strengthen immune function, and potentially enhance mood and cognitive abilities. Collectively, these effects may lead to an improved sense of well-being and greater life satisfaction. The World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire is a widely used tool that evaluates QOL across four key domains: physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environmental factors. Its use in studies assessing probiotic interventions provides valuable insights into the broader connection between gut health and well-being in the geriatric population. This review aims to explore the impact of probiotics on quality of life among older adults, specifically assessed through the WHOQOL-BREF instrument. By analyzing available evidence, this review seeks to clarify the potential role of probiotics in fostering healthy aging and enhancing QOL in the elderly.