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

Abstract

Background: Healthy aging is an important concept developed by the World Health Organization with the aim of enhancing the health of older adults, highlighting the positive aspects of aging, and reinforcing their social roles. Objectives: Since the concept of healthy aging can be interpreted differently by older adults in various societies, this study aimed to explore the perspectives of Iranian older adults regarding healthy aging. Methods: A qualitative descriptive design and content analysis was employed to gather data from 15 purposively selected community-dwelling older adults aged over 60 years in Ilam and Khuzestan provinces, Iran. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed following Graneheim and Lundman's (2004) content analysis guide. Results: Five main themes and 16 subthemes emerged. These 5 main themes include social participation, mental health, a healthy lifestyle, maintenance of functional ability, and adequacy of economic status. Conclusions: Based on the results, healthy aging is a multidimensional concept. It is recommended that health policy-makers and providers of elderly healthcare services take these factors into account when planning and delivering services aimed at promoting the health of older adults.