Objective        :This study identifies factors associated with the disparity of the quality of life (QoL) among the older populations living in rural areas compared to those in urban areas.

Method                        :Literature review was conducted in English through six online databases limited to studies that were published in 2004-2019. Cross-sectional studies about quality of life using WHOQOL(OLD and BREF) indicators among the elderly population in different settings were reviewed according to PRISMA Guidelines. STROBE checklist was performed to assure the quality and reliability of the investigated studies.

Results            : The initial search identified a total of 625 abstracts addressing QoL among older-aged population. Of these, 10 cross-sectional studies met the eligibility criteria and reviewed to be relevant. Two studies reported a higher QoL score of older people in urban areas. One study concluded there was no statistical difference between QoL of older populations in urban and rural areas. In the other 2 studies, different results were depicted depend on domains in WHOQOL instruments. The remaining 5 studies only exhibited findings from one group (3 urban; 2 rural studies). Age, gender, education level, marital status, income, living arrangements, and illness were revealed to be predictors of QoL among elderly in urban and rural areas.

Conclusion      : Regardless the different settings of area, our review show various results in QoL score due to different domains that are being used in the instruments. However, every studies have positive and negative predictors in each domain making it feasible to become the determinants.