Quality of life (QOL) is defined by the World Health Organization as "an individual's perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards and concerns".

 

Standard indicators of the quality of life include:

• Wealth

• Employment

• The Environment,

• Physical and Mental Health

• Education

• Recreation and Leisure time

• Social belonging

• Religious beliefs

• Safety, Security 

• Freedom

 

In general, women with disabilities are more discriminated against and disadvantaged than men with disabilities. Women with disabilities are also at greater risk of physical, mental and sexual abuse, and because of stigmatization have lower marriage prospects. Age has a significant impact: the older you get, the more likely you are to become disabled. Currently, it is estimated that 15% of the population worldwide or some 1 billion individuals live with one or more disabling conditions.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were 600 million persons aged 60 and more in the year 2000, with that number expected to rise to 1.2 billion by 2025 and 2 billion by 2050. Ageing can be viewed as a societal accomplishment, but it also poses a challenge in terms of health care and continuing healthy functioning for this rapidly growing population. As a result, it's critical to ensure that these extra years are not only free of chronic disease or disability but also that mental and physical functionality is maintained. This will lessen the population's massive economic and social responsibilities.

CBR is a holistic strategy which address the above issues by planning and building measures in active partnership with people at the community level.

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In disaster management CBR plays an important role in developing preparedness of the community in the disaster management. According to the United Nations, a disaster is any event that seriously disrupts a community or society’s ability to function; a disaster’s impact may be human, economic or ecological.

We have seen in many countries including India CBR services in the community played a significant role in the preparation of volunteers/managing basic rehab with the existing available resources /mobilization of people. Disaster types include the following:

• Earthquakes

• Tornadoes

• Hurricanes

• Pandemics

• Volcano eruptions

• Wildfires

• Floods

• Mass shootings

• Acts of terror

• Nuclear explosions

• Chemical emergencies

 

Preparedness and Emergency management are two foundations of disaster management means preparing people for potential calamities and responding to them as quickly, strategically and effectively as possible. CBR services at the community level has shown is extremely supportive in the emergency management with the support of prepared communities .