Factors Influencing the Successful Aging of Iranian Old Adult Women

Abstract

Background:Aging is an irreversible natural process characterized by a decline in both the physical and mental status of individuals. Because of multiple factors, this process and its consequences vary greatly between individuals. A successful aging (SA) is the target of current health policies and well-being of individuals. Knowing the factors that contribute to SA and its barriers would translate in measurements that increase the quality of life of elderly and reduce health costs.Objectives:The aim of this study was to explore barriers and facilitators to Iranian elderly women’s SA.Patients and Methods:A purposive sample of 16 elderly women, aged 61 - 96 years, was recruited for this qualitative content analysis study. Study data were collected during 2012 -.2013 by conducting 16 face-to-face semi-structured in-depth interviews. We continued the data collection until reaching saturation. Study data were analyzed concurrently with data collection, by using the conventional qualitative content analysis approach.Results:Barriers and facilitators to Iranian elderly women’s SA fell into five main categories, including availability of support systems, state of health, personal capabilities, personality characteristics, and lifestyle.Conclusions:Availability of support systems, state of health, personal capabilities, personality characteristics, and lifestyle were the main interrelated factors affecting Iranian elderly women’s SA. Accordingly, providing elderly women with strong educational, emotional, financial, cultural, and social supports can help facilitate their SA.

The Concept of Successful Aging: A Review Article

“…Iran is estimated to face a sudden increase in the elderly population between 2030 and 2040. As a result, after experiencing epidemiological changes in diseases, Iran must prepare itself for managing the elderly wave in the upcoming decades [ 4 ].…”

“…They should also focus on a purposeful life based on ideal, meaningful goals and incentives, be in close contact with others, and improve their sense of self-esteem [ 8 ]. That is why, in recent years, we have seen a rise in various terms such as successful aging, active aging, healthy aging, positive aging, productive aging, and proper elderly [ 4 , 6 , 8 , 9 ], which provoke a good and positive life in the aging period. Each of these concepts represents a different approach to the benefits and potentials of aging [ 9 , 10 ].…”

“…The debate about successful aging involves searching for the factors and conditions that help us better understand the potential of the elderly and identify ways to change the nature of aging [ 20 ]. Because of the heterogeneity of the aging process, the definition of successful aging does not follow a particular pattern [ 21 ] for which there is neither definite criteria nor the index for measurement [ 4 , 19 , 22 , 23 ]. So far, everyone has dealt with it from different perspectives, which has led to various outcomes and achievements, while also contributing to different definitions [ 13 , 24 , 25 ].…”

Effect of Pilates Exercise on Fear of Falling in Iranian Elderly Women

“…It has been observed that aging and its implications vary greatly between elderly Iranian women and men. Previous studies indicated that Iranian women follow different strategies to achieve optimal health due to which they are more likely to experience healthy aging in a natural way [15]. Furthermore, it has also been observed that they perceive optimal mental health through physical health.…”

Keeping up with the caravan of life: Successful aging strategies for Iranian women

“…However, they have greater longevity. Studies suggest that the personality characteristics, unique perspectives, and lifestyles of women may contribute to their health status, high flexibility, and successful aging (Javadi Pashaki, Mohammadi, Jafaraghaee, & Mehrdad, 2015 ; Sheffler, 2011 ). Women can be considered good subjects to understand strategies for SA.…”