5.3 Technology's Impact on Quality of Life

The quality of shelter (la qualité du logement) available can have a significant effect on one's own quality of life. Different measurements of housing quality include, but are not limited to: air quality (qualité de l'air), presence of mold (présence de moisissure), safety (sécurité), proximity to work (proximité du travail) etc. Those living in poor-quality homes are at a greater risk for developing chronic disease (maladie chronique) and injuries (blessures), as well as poor mental health (santé mentale).

Technology and science have started to improve various aspects of housing and shelter to improve quality of life. Sustainable design (la conception durable) has become a focus, enabling architects and builders to design homes that are more energy-efficient, sustainable, and environmentally friendly. Furthermore, science promotes energy effiency (l'efficacité énergétique), which both helps our environment and promotes the usage of alternate energy sources.

When moving from one community to another (déménagement), it is easy to notice differences and disparities in quality of life, and this can be due to the above scientific and technological progress. It can also relate to previous parts of this unit and others, like education and aesthetics or personal identity, and display firsthand the cultural differences of life quality.

Immigration (l'immigration) can further contribute to these differences; immigration can bring diversity and cultural enrichment (l'enrichissement culturel) to a society, as well as new ideas and perspectives. Additionally, immigration can provide a source of economic growth. Though, immigration can put pressure on housing, transportation, and social services, and can lead to increased competition for jobs.

As the world becomes more open to integration (l'integration) of immigrants and more flexible immigration policy, technology and science will continue to promote universal quality of life!

Logement - housing

Hébergement - housing

Qualité du logement - quality of housing

Ménage - household

Inégalité - inequality

Cadre de vie - living environment

Habitations à loyer modéré (HLM) -subsidized housing