The safety of automobiles (ABS, airbags, auto-collision-avoidance, better tires, crumple zones, etc) have a HUGE influence on the quality of life (as you're defining it) for populations. Diet is by far the most effective way to provide life-long heath, and we've never had better access to food & nutrition info.

Medical incentives may be messed up in the US, but most people on the planet who have access to healthcare don't have to worry about it bankrupting them.