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Poll: Has your quality of life improved or declined in the last five years?

* Please note that the results of the online poll represent just a snapshot of opinion from the site members who participate. The results of each poll do not necessarily represent the national picture. Participants are only allowed to vote once in each poll.

poor me  Posted: 15/02/2006 00:27

my health has declined in the past 4 years. due to strss, I gave up the smokes a year and a half a go! but put on a lot of weight and i'm finding it very hard to looes it! I also gave up work to look after two of my childern who surffer with depresstion. so i'm saving the GOV a lot of money!

fifi  Posted: 15/02/2006 10:03

my quality of life has definitely improved. I lost over 8 stone in weight. I excercise daily, feel way more energetic and alive & look and feel a thousand times more attractive. The only thing I really stress about is not having enough money at times for the basics of life.

Anonymous   Posted: 15/02/2006 11:45

It's a tricky one this. Five years ago, I didn't have my own home so now I feel more secure that I do, but long hours and a long commute to pay for that home has taken its toll...

Dot  Posted: 15/02/2006 17:29

My quality of life has stayed much the same. My children are bigger now and I thought that once i had gotten them out of the infancy stage that life would become less stressful due to the fact that they would become more independent of me. this is not the case. With so much going on in society, I now worry more for their wellbeing, life has become so much faster and expensive and the pressure of schooling has been loaded on tho the parents more than when we were children. Stress is the biggest factor in why my quality of life has stayed the same.

Reg  Posted: 15/02/2006 17:29

The "builders party" has allowed houses to be baught and sold like stocks and shares, now our children have little hope of affording a house in their own country. We are a landlord state again. No wonder we need more Emigrants, The Fat cats have to rent to somebody. A landlord state running on Credit. we should be ashamed.

Sculli  Posted: 15/02/2006 18:08

Despite earning more, we still do not have money for the emergency run to the doctors, or special treat...September is a nightmare with kids returning to school and the huge costs involved! We cannot afford to go on holidays in spite of DH having a good job.I'm a work-at-home mum, and as such earn nothing and have no standing in the community. The more money this country has it seeme the less we care about the important things......

bonny  Posted: 15/02/2006 20:45

well going to say declined,as i lost my medical card, this has caused me stress along with trying to get my doctors fee plus medication at €80 month, im 56 and have apent 34 years rearing my family, im entitled to nothing, so I have to depend on my husband for my keep, how down grading is this? no I cant work due to illness;

colm(pulsar)  Posted: 15/02/2006 21:11

I now start work at 7 and finish at 4 so beating traffic is a help. Although earnings are better, certain services, includ. GPs have risen to eat that up. I envy those people who just up and move to homes in the country with rural resttlement and forget about the rat race. There is so much to appreciate without money but we don't normally have the time! We have all these ambitions to do this and that but in achieveing it we can't enjoy the product of our labour, time with our children, loved ones, a chat, a walk, to read a book. Our health is often affected by bad diet and lack of exercise, which we are aware of, but don't have the time or energy to correct!

tara  Posted: 15/02/2006 21:26

The quality of my life has declined due to over work and not taking enough time out for exercise. Exercising the body stimulates my mind so i better start again soon. Which means not working during lunch,and not working from 8.30am-7.30pm when i only get paid to work from 9am-5.30pm THINGS HAVE TO CHANGE!

Anonymous   Posted: 15/02/2006 22:29

materialistically, yes my life has improved but health and happiness has not, I feel swamped by the need to keep up with everything that the children feel they 'should have' because everyone else has it, although I do try not to give in it creates a lot of stress. We as a society have become very selfish in our pursuit of wanting the best.

Clo  Posted: 15/02/2006 23:36

Five years ago I was in a very unhappy marriage, My Mother was ill and I was being treated for various stress related health problems. Now I have left my marriage, have my own home and have been promoted in my job. Apart from the fact that Mother is no longer around I would say I am the most content I have ever been.

Anonymous   Posted: 16/02/2006 01:37

My quality of life has improved in the last few years since I discovered I had a raised cholesterol. I had always exercised a lot,and eaten well, but I have improved my diet enormously in the last few years and I think the benefits are being reaped.

Mar  Posted: 16/02/2006 08:33

Health worries of sick family members and stressful job, long commute in heavy traffic and bad worklife balance due to staff / management issues in work have lead to the decline in my quality of life.

Mary  Posted: 16/02/2006 08:46

I suppose it depends. In the last 5 years I have had my thyroid condition diagnosed and it is now well managed (which mEans a lot of meds but that's the trade-off I guess). I have transferred departments in work and now work with a much much better biunch of people but lately have 'inherited' an indifferent and sometimes hostile manager. Best of all tho, is the fact that I have bought my own place and now live with my life partner. I don't resent the chucnk out of my salary that pays the mortgage but the downside of things is the commute - about an hour each way, which I suppose is considerable better than many.

misc  Posted: 16/02/2006 09:10

I agree with "annonymous" My quality of life in some ways has improved but with commuting (and over-packed trains) its adding about 4½ to 5 hours each day and can be very stressful at times.

Anonymous   Posted: 16/02/2006 10:09

As a previous person has stated my health has declined too but it's because I have IBS and having my own home and commuting long hours. am up at 6 am and don't return home on average until 7.30pm. roll on the RAIL LINE to NAVAN. by that time I'll probably have the free travel.

Chana  Posted: 16/02/2006 11:00

Sculli, believe it or not many famles with children who have two parents working view the stay-at-home Mom as being a luxury as it means the Dad can aford to keep the family on his salary. Many couple have both parties working becuase with children in the mix, thay have no choice in order to keep the roof over their heads. Bonny, if you cannot work due to illness you may well be entitled to disability benefit and have your medical card restored as you cannot work. You could check it out. Colm if somneone is earning a good salary or even average, I don't see how their health could be affected by bad diet. I agree, we have time poverty in this country but we don't have food poverty, I believe. For example, my DP and I eat a well balanced hearlhy good diet on about €50 to €60 a week, tops Tara, things have to change, if you are working overtime without pay, aside from the fact that you beaking the European Working Time Directive, you are giving your time and skill to a comapny for FREE. Now unless they are a charity - do they really deserve to have part of your life for free?

Anonymous   Posted: 16/02/2006 11:18

My quality of life has improved in the last five years. I'm in a better job with better money and lots of good perks. On the downside, even though my salary has improved, it's still hard to find the money for, as one of the previous posts said, emergency trips to the doctors etc. I've had some health problems this year and the medical bills are just a joke, espeically consultants - over 150 euro for half an hours work! Also I'm in my mid 20's and still living at home as I cannot see myself ever being able to afford a house in Dublin unless I have a lotto win in the near future. So while my quality of life has improved, my financial situation definetley has not mostly due to the fact that paying for essential services in Dublin drains your pocket.

kimmie  Posted: 16/02/2006 12:13

i lost 3 good friends 2 to cancer. i am on tabs for high blood pressure asprin cholesterol tabs i had a mini storke.but i am starting to feel good now i think i am very luckey to get a warning.

Sculli  Posted: 16/02/2006 14:20

Hi Chana. Such a glorified idea of what it is to stay at home! Amazing how people who chose to work see staying at home as an easy option.I actually gave up work not only because I couldn't afford the childcare, but also because I do not believe in having others raise my kids.We have done without luxuries in order to do so, and survive on very little. You have quite an idealised image of what it is to be a stay at home mom.I know very few who do it because they can afford to, but instead, do without alot because in the end, time with your kids is finite . Don't misunderstand me, I love my life with my kids, but quality of life has not improved with the celtic tiger...that was my only point. It was my choice to stay at home, but at least I know that my kids are happy, well-adjusted kids and that our moral code is what they are learning, for the most part. I firmly believe that if we had more parents BEING parents then our children would be better off, instead of the laissez-faire, undisciplined upbringing that seems to be in vogue at the moment.

Chana  Posted: 16/02/2006 15:34

To me Sculli, it doesn't sound glorified at all, it sounds like an existence. YThe thing is, all but one of the workign mothers I know do NOT choose to work. They simply ave no choice in order to keep a rok over their head and pay the bills and not for luxuries. A 6am start isn't easy for them either, nor is bordering on exhaustion by the time Friday evening comes around. With the result that so many of them say - " Oh Mrs "Smith" at home with the kids all day, she doesn't have to work, well for her. Mr Smith must have a great job that she can afford not to work" - Yes, I have heard statements very similar to this, including from my Mothers neightbours. I don't have an idealised image at all - as I said, it seems to me like an existence. The celtic tiger - it has only improved things for people with a heavy investment in the work force be they mnagers, investors, Developers, etc in my view. That said, there are planty of happy, well-adjusted kids in daycare and at the end of the day their parents are still BEING their parents and it is still their job to pass on their values, regardless of whether they need to work or not.

Minnie  Posted: 16/02/2006 16:39

While I am very happy with my lot I have to vote declined for following reasons. Healthwise I am not as active but the real decline is that at 70 years of age I do not feel safe in my own home, I would not go out alone at night and God forbid I need to be hospitalised for fear of the mrsa bug. I must stress I am one of the lucky ones as my husband is still alive and active and our family are around and constantly in touch and available.

Mikaela  Posted: 16/02/2006 19:33

My life has improved considerably in the last years but as this is a health site I have to stress that this part of my life has most definately disimproved. I am now really terrified to get seriously ill and have to go into hospital and this compared to years ago when it never worried me now plays on my mind , not only for my but my whole family. Luckily I am somewhat shielded from the worst situations as I am privately insured but there is always the unexpected accident which might lead you into an A& e department.

Anonymous   Posted: 16/02/2006 22:03

How it struck me to see that the majority of people talk about their material posessions as regards their quality of life...

Clo  Posted: 16/02/2006 22:17

Sculli, you sound like my sister. She resents working mothers too. She feels that she works harder than any mother who works outside the home. It slips her mind too that Mothers who work outside the home, by choice or necessity, do a full day's work and then come home and do another full days work. I have 2 teenage sons and I have always worked full-time. If I don't work - my kids don't eat and I feel food is quite important for children. My kids appreciate everything they have and they do not get designer clothes or the latest gadgets. They are every bit as happy, well-adjusted, well-disciplined, respectful and mannerly as the children of any stay at home mother. So please deal with your own insecurities before you choose to judge people you don't know. You never know what is around the corner and you may someday have to provide for your children by going out to work. I hope, if that happens, that you and your children are well-adjusted enough to handle it.

BISHOP  Posted: 16/02/2006 22:47

SUFFER FROM COPD - WHILE AM ON MEDICATION- EXERCISE AND UN CARE OF A RESPIRATORY CONSULTANT THERE IS INEVITABLE DETERIORATION AND ALSO AN AGE FACTOR LOSS OF LIFE QUALITY

Chana  Posted: 17/02/2006 09:13

Does it also strike you anonymous 22:03, that we NEED a certain level of amterial posession in addition to other things, to have ANY quality of life at all. We need a roof over our heads, reliable transport, money to pay our bills etc.

sarah  Posted: 17/02/2006 10:17

I believe most couples have to work now in order to survive in this country with house prices etc also our children expect more because all their friends have it and you dont want them to be the odd one out that requires 2 wages. Our granmothers had an easier life with less stress Ok they had more children and less modern machines eg washing machines but they had more time for their family, everything now is rush rush rush.

Anonymous   Posted: 17/02/2006 11:19

Yes my quality of life has improved. I have a mortgage on 3bed semi( don't own home - bank does)and have started to learn to drive. Obviously this increases money worries stress but better than stress of handling 3kids and long hike to shops in unpredictable weather. I have started to make more quality of life decisions such as not trading up to larger house which has given us more breathing space. Also have started to limit television, not buying game system and more outdoor play for kids. Next month we will be giving up sky tv which means we won't be sucked into the new high definition tv upgrade. Re attacks on stay at home moms please read first post, it was a statement of someones quality of life not an attack on working mothers. As someone who also works at home these are the same issues that I have experienced and also the reasons why I will be going 'back to work ' in the future. The attacks came from mizz fixit.

lag  Posted: 17/02/2006 14:07

I work longer hours,drive further to get there and take a lot longer in both directions due to increased traffic. My pay has increased but doesnt seem to go as far. I have four sons, three of them teenagers. Between washing and cleaning [rugby, soccer, gaelic etc] and discreetly monitoring their company and whereabouts, along with providing a 24/7 taxi service, bureau de change and rest home cum running buffet for them, I'm banjaxed. I had to change job and house 4 years ago because I could no longer tollerate that abusive work environment so I miss the support network of friends and neighbours I had built up over the years. oh yes, my mortgage as a result is substantially larger now too. I enjoy life and take each day as it comes but the celtic tiger has still to purr chez moi!

Anonymous   Posted: 17/02/2006 18:08

i gave up work after i had my second daughter,beacause i was going to be left with $65 euro for my self after taking childcare and traveling into work into consideration and i felt that there was no incentive for me to work,now i feel that we as a family are been penalised because we are a single income household again with the taxbands 64,ooo for 2 income family ,and 38 000 for single so do i not

Anonymous   Posted: 18/02/2006 09:54

Absolutely Chana, you mean we have basic needs for survival, we need to live. Once we keep our lives simple, and be happy with what we have, it's so much easier to have a good quality of life. It's hard to be completely oblivious to what our neighbours have, but when we start doing that and perhaps try to compete, we might start to feel that our quality of life is deteriorating when we just don't have the means for a certain lifestyle.

colm(pulsar)  Posted: 18/02/2006 19:37

Chana, money does not give you the knowledge to know what foods are good or bad for you. We are bombarded with advertising about the benifits of this and that and everything is packaged and processed now. I do not have the time, or to be honest the interest, in looking for fresh fish, meat, vegtables and fruit. Really we should be putting a considerable amount of our day light hours into looking after the food we eat but who can do that except maybe the unemployed or retired?

oldman  Posted: 19/02/2006 18:55

What a bunch of Moanies. Get out there and do something for your self and stop blaming all around you!

Opressed  Posted: 20/02/2006 00:00

The quality of life of most irish citezens has deteriorated in the past 5 years. The leaders who were put in place by our democratic process have done quite well, and you are not likly to see any of them on trollies in A&E and I'm sure the same applies to their families. If they had to get in the que with the rest of us the problem would never have developed to it's present crises level. Other oppressive laws that have been introduced include disposal tax, even on a small item like a flashlight that you might use walking home on a dark night there is a 2euro tax, this in addition to 21% VAT and these taxes are paid at point of sale with money you have already paid income tax and prsi on. the same applies to your vrt on your car tolls on the roads that have been built using our tax, and lots more I could write a book on. Then there are speed cameras on safe dual carriage ways recording traffic straying a little above the artifially low speed of 50, 0r 60 KPH this is inly 30 & 40 MPH. I have managed to avoid penelty points being fined so far much to the annoyance to those driving behind me. Particularly that stretch traveling north, after the port tunnel works 50 KPH for miles. The cars, taxis, busses and trucks come flying past on both sides of me as soon as the road widens enough.I stay at the marked speed as I cannot afford to take a chance. This practice of unrealistic speed limits is more dangerous as drivers get frustrated and take chances. Of course when ministers cars were clocked at speeds in excess of 90 MPH we were told that their drivers were exempt or somthing simular. We are oppressed in many ways by the present administration and the sad thing is that any alternative would probably be as bad. Our County councils have lost sight what they were put there for, it's imposible to get a well maintained public toilet in most touns, lots of our roads are not properly marked with a centre line or kerb markings making driving in poor visibility dangerous. I could go on and on like the speed limits that are applied are not clearly enough marked, we should have a reminder ocasionly, If we are expected to conform to the limit wheter it is appropriate or not, we should not be in any doubt as to what it is. I better stop now but could others please add to the list of oppressions we are being slowly crushed with, some one who has influence may see it and follow up with action. Bad laws sap the strenght of a nation.

liam(lcollins)  Posted: 20/02/2006 00:51

we , are not made for this kind of stress, we are killing ourselves, slowly,

Trapped  Posted: 20/02/2006 11:30

My social life has declined badly in the last couple of years. I can't go out anymore because I can't smoke. I'm trapped in my own home. My coffee morning with my friends in Roches Stores is gone.

Breda(KXM15286)  Posted: 20/02/2006 13:07

We should remember we live in a state not an economy. I really think a lot of us have lost sight of that fact. We have fallen into the trap of thinking what is right for the economy is the best thing for us all, without questioning for a minute if it is or not. Ten years ago, I had a lot less money in my pocket, but I had a much better quality of life. Why I didn't have the same levels of stress and worry about money. Everything costs more, so much so that I feel the little I had then, went a lot further, than the lot I have now. No one helps anyone any more, you have to pay for everything, because people don't have the time to help each other out and as a result more and more people feel isolated, even those with a lot of money. When someone helps you out, without financial gain, then you feel cared about. When you have to pay for everything, you don't get the same feeling. So even those who can afford to pay for everything, still can feel isolated. Of course, we always have to pay for food and cloths and light and heat, gps etc... What I mean is that years ago, if you decorated your house, your neighbours would have called in and given you a hand. If you had a baby, they would have called in and made the dinner. If you were sick, neighbours would have taken in turns to call around and do what they could. I know of course that there were bad times and times when things didn't work out this way. But by far and away for the majority of the time it did. Today, we just feel we live to earn money, so that we can give it to other people for services. Those people couldn't care less if we lived or died. Of course they have a right to be paid for their work. But in a society where money becomes the be all and end all of our existence, we are all much poorer in the long run. Money will never by you someone to care about you. That comes from living in a community, where we all care about what happens to each other. Maybe some of the terrible tragedies happening today, could be avoided if people just felt someone cared about them. Is it any wonder our suicide and homicide rates are rising so rapidly, not to mention marriage breakdown and emotional disorders. I think for many people life is just an existence. What we fail to realise is that unless our lives have meaning, then it will always feel like an existence. Money doesn’t buy our lives meaning, you can have all the holidays you want, or be able to afford all the cloths you want, but unless your life has meaning, then you are just on a thread mill. Lots of people are working very hard, for very little return, in terms of quality of life. They spend most of their time comparing what they have or what they can afford to do with that of other people. The best way any one could improve their lives today, is to start learning to ignore what other people have, and start looking at what makes them happy, what gives them that zing in their step. Most of us will find that zing doesn’t come from material things.

Chana  Posted: 20/02/2006 14:05

Lag, as a person in what I assume to be mid-stage in life (as you have 3 teenagers), unless you badly need the money, if it were me - I'd cut back on the overtime. Incidenatally, why are you cleaning up after 3 teenagers. if they have the energy to play rugby, soccer, gaelic, then they certain have the energy to clean up after themselves. Also why do you provide a running buffet for them - they are I'm sure capable of making their one snacks. Leave them to their own devices once in a while and take some time for yourself. They'll be more independant and you'll feel be=tter too. Colm, if you don't even have the interest in buying good healthy fresh fish, meat, vegtables and fruit, which can be found on the shelves of your local supermarket and instead prefer processed packaged, which much of the time, is rubbish - then why complain? Trapped maybe you could consider this a good inccentive to give up smoking. After a while, maybe you'll feel better for it too.

Mary  Posted: 21/02/2006 09:13

Ah but Breda, from what we read and hear and see we could well believe that we live in an economy. Granted I am better off becuase I have a home of my own but I do have a longer commute and by current standards my slary is only average. But I haven't falllen inot the overtime trap. Also, have you considered, that no-one, in their 30's or 40's helps out their aging parents as much - not becuase thy don't care for them but becuase rising property prices are forcing them to live 30, 50 and 80 mies away and they simply cannot do so any more. Also grandparents lose out so much I think on having a relationship with their grandchildren. Now, no-one really knows their neighbours because so many townsin outlying counties have become dormitory towns rather than communities that have grown over the years. It's true, I see friends of mine, who materially, if I added it all probably have more than I do nut they don't seem happy and seem to compare themselves unfavourably to others all the time. - this person hasa newer car - that person has a bigger house - the other one has a designer this that or the other. Then they ask me why I haven't changed my car yet and when I'm extending my house!! But, to my mind, the zing from material things is only temporary and short-lived.

RainyDay  Posted: 21/02/2006 13:54

Hi Trapped - The only person trapping you is yourself. You can still go out & socialise, but you choose not to. Don't blame the smoking ban for your stubbornness. If your social life or your coffee morning are really important to you, you can hold off on the smokes for a while.

lag  Posted: 22/02/2006 10:09

hi Chana and thanks for the comments. I dont work overtime, my present job has longer hours than my previous one. I am a lone parent with no income other than that which I provide for myself and family so I cannt cut my hours. times ARE harder than they were, much harder and leaving a 16, 15 and 13 year old to their own devices too often is not a great idea, thats when the support network comes in if you have one. as for the running buffet, teenagers are constantly hungry, keeping the larder stocked means shopping several times a week not necesserily cooking every snack they consume, which incidently I dont do. The Bridge Club in our town is the name they give to the youngsters who drink and smoke dope under the railway bridge, it has a surprisingly large and distinguished membership and there's one in every town village and hamlet in the country, foolish the parent that doesnt keep an eye on their offspring in the Ireland of the Celtic tiger. I am not a negative person but boy life aint no bed of roses.

James(HAP28635)  Posted: 22/02/2006 14:44

During the last few years I have to say that life seems to have improvedjust that little bit.In that period of time my daughter, my mother and my wife died. These deaths caused me grief but I have learned to adapt to the lonliness that is now my lot.To the best of my ability I try to live one day at a time and certain things which at one time would have driven me bonkers have passed. I'm not a stoic but I am realistic and I learned how to accept things.My priorities are now the things that I want rather than what I need. Selfish you may think and maybe foolish but i have learned to think for myself and not to follow the crowd.No longer do I seek the approval of others and by living with the philosophy that I have devoloped life is all that much better.

HOMER  Posted: 22/02/2006 21:31

Hello Everyone Before I go on to the poll.Everyone who has been affected by declining health in the last five years.I have the same problem and I'm out on longterm sickleave for the last four years come June.The ailment's I have are Coeliac diesease,Anxieyt ,Depression since 1983 and has got worse in the last four years,I am suffering with obesity and taken a course of action recommended by my Doctor's and specialist's.I am forty years with the coeliac diesease and never had a break and times DO GET TOUGH.Through attending a psychiatric service and coming soon a Councillor for the fourth time in the last seven years.I have learned to help myself get through the hard times and I don't always suceed.Iget interested in something like music with headphones on for privacy and go to a room on my own I may fall asleep but IT does work.Panic attack's while out in a large shopping mall is like clostrophobia place your hands over your nose and mouth breath in through your nose for five seconds hold for a second and exhale for ten seconds to deflate your lungs flt and repeat when you need to.This excercise takes as long as it takes each individual no two people are alike so calm down regain control of your breathing until this has passed.Last I have a disorder with my legs called odema which is swelling Ihave to wear prescription Anti-embolism stockings 24/7 and I cant sleep in a bed as it is uncomfortable.Iam sleepling on an armchair and through the night have to move my legs up and down off a pouffe.Also on a lot of medication.Well you now have my history if anyone needs advice contact me,and if anyone can advise me please do. Best wishe Homer

John  Posted: 22/02/2006 22:07

One day at a time and try to smile. Quality...mmm..does this mean new car house having more money? Such small rewards (in Essense)for great people!

Mary  Posted: 24/02/2006 17:34

Homer, the first thing I would recommend is seeing a nutritionist regarding your coeliac disease. I have a friend and a cousin who have it and they both have no problems. Then there's the obesity. Dietary control and exercise will help here. They may also help your Odema. I can't really give advice on depression so I won't try but do keep attending the couselling / therapy sessions.

HOMER  Posted: 26/02/2006 19:56

Hello Mary Many thanks for your prompt reply.I left out details of action that I am taking.I'm being taken care of by a team of Doctor's for the various ailment's.It is a long time improving and I am being as patient as I can in relation to my mental state I take 12 Hours at a time this work's great for me and only make provisional plans, I walk for 40 minutes a day for 5 days of a week and I am following 3 different diet's which are helping thanks to me and my Coeliac dietitian for her guidance.Also a member of The Coeliac Society Of Ireland. Kind Regards Martin Treacy. P.S You can pass this info to other people it may be of some help to someone.

Mary  Posted: 27/02/2006 09:40

Martin, I didn't know there was a Coeliac Society Of Ireland. Thanks. I'll pass this along.

HOMER  Posted: 08/03/2006 00:53

Hello Mary I am currently helping The Coeliac Society of Ireland. E-Mail info@coeliac.ie also www.coeliac.ie ph.01-8721471. rgds Homer

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