How Active Ageing Dimensions are Associated with Mental Health of Older People in the Iranian Context?

Abstract

Active Aging (AA), which is the process of health promotion, collaboration, and increasing the quality of life in old age, may be a strategy to prevent many future challenges in countries like Iran that have a rapidly aging population. This study aimed to measure AA dimensions in Iran and examine their associations with the quality of mental health among Iranian elderly. A quantitative cross-sectional survey of a random sample of 623 community residents of Tehran aged 55 years or older was conducted. In total, 590 people responded. AA was measured using the Active Aging Index (AAI), including four domains, and mental health of the participants was measured using the 15-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) scale. Associations between AA and GHQ was examined using Mixed-Effect Linear Regression analysis. The overall AAI score was calculated at 26.8 (men 33.9 vs. women 20.6) out of 100. Higher scores in the first domain (employment) and lower scores in the third domain (independent, healthy, and secure living) and the fourth domain (enabling environment) were linked with poorer mental health, but the second domain (participation in society) showed no association. Different aspects of AAI showed different associations with mental health. In addition, it seems that the AAI, as a tool for measuring AA, needs a profound modification in the Iranian context, using qualitative studies in Iran.