Factors contributing to the quality of life of older adults were investigated. A national survey provided the data which were collected in four-hour interviews from a representative national sample of 800 persons 68 to 72 years old when interviewed. The respondents reported on aspects of their quality of life related to their family, education, and work history, and the specific factors that were adding to or detracting from it. Only 17% of the men and 14% of the women report their quality of life to be "fair" or "poor." Results indicate that material comforts, health and personal safety, learning, and active recreation are most frequently mentioned as detracting from quality of life. (Author)