Examining active aging among Iranian provinces: a TOPSIS analysis

Abstract

Background Planning and decision-making for the elderly requires a special attention due to the beginning of aging process in Iran. By emphasizing the concept of active aging, determining the status of the elderly like their ability to continue work over time, to attain income and to participate in social and political life is significant. Active aging uses the indicators measuring the non-used potential of the elderly for having an active and healthy aging. This study aimed to determine the level of active aging among the provinces of Iran in 2018 by considering 11 indicators related to elderly’s health, well-being and socioeconomic participation. Methods The raw data were obtained from Statistical Center of Iran. After establishing the indicators based on the Global Age Watch approach, the provinces were ranked by the TOPSIS method in terms of aging status. Results The results indicated that only Tehran and Alborz had the highest development level of active aging while 16% of the provinces had a semi-developed status and 77% failed at experiencing a satisfactory welfare, economic and social status. Conclusions Four indicators had the highest importance included the percentage of the elderly with a diploma and academic degree, the percentage of the elderly with lower incomes than the median income, the median income of the elderly to the median income of the other people in society, and life expectancy among the 65-year old men. Studying the indicators deeply can result in the appropriate planning for each area in line with the improvement of the elderly status.

Healthy Aging from the Perspective of Older Adults: A Descriptive Qualitative Study

“…This involves providing safe transportation options, walkable neighborhoods, accessible housing, and age-appropriate recreational and cultural activities (7,18).…”

“…In Iran, the proportion of individuals aged 60 and older compared to the overall population is expected to reach 10% by 2022, while the population growth rate has reached its lowest level in the past 25 years, at 0.7% (6). Consequently, there will be a significant and rapid increase in both the percentage and absolute number of elderly individuals within Iran's population in the coming decades (7). It is projected that by 2050, this age group's share of the country's population will exceed 20%, totaling over 20 million people (8).…”

“…Old age has traditionally been associated with the onset of various health conditions, disabilities, dependency, and the imposition of a societal burden (7). However, in modern societies, these perceptions and traditional negative expectations have evolved, and the definition of old age has shifted to emphasize individuals' potential to optimize opportunities and experiences in life (11).…”

Ageing Suitability Evaluation of Residential Districts Based on Active Ageing Theory

“…Health refers to lowering disease induced by ageing, hence, a well-designed physical activity location is a crucial strategy to protect the health of older adults [14]. Participation signifies that older adults may engage in activities according to their abilities, needs, and preferences, and may even contribute to society [15]. Security means that when older adults are unable to care for themselves, their family and the community will provide them with appropriate care services, such as a BEV-AAS framework for active ageing services in the context of role theory [16].…”