| چکیده انگلیسی مقاله |
Introduction
In today's world, the elderly population is rapidly increasing in many countries; yet social policies for both urban and rural communities often overlook this critical issue. This neglect can lead to significant challenges in the future as the growing elderly demographic—often referred to as "population greying"—places additional burdens on governments to address social needs, urban development, and health and welfare services. In nations grappling with economic difficulties and the declining value of individual properties and assets, the elderly face heightened vulnerabilities due to limited access to resources and opportunities that enhance their quality of life. As a result, they require focused attention and support. Low per capita income in these countries exacerbates the situation as individuals without adequate savings often exit the labor market. Additionally, ineffective social insurance mechanisms impose crippling costs when challenges arise. Seniors frequently confront issues, such as reduced income, rising healthcare costs, and increasing living expenses, all of which can adversely affect their quality of life. By investigating the obstacles to achieving successful aging, this research aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of economic security and its pivotal role in fostering successful aging.
Materials & Methods
This study was a qualitative investigation into the challenges of successful aging conducted in the city of Arak. It aimed to analyze the primary issues faced by the elderly in achieving successful aging. The research employed a data-driven theoretical approach, involving 25 elderly residents of Arak, who voluntarily participated in in-depth interviews through purposeful sampling to ensure maximum diversity. Data collection and analysis occurred concurrently, with sampling ceasing once theoretical saturation was reached, meaning no new information was obtained from subsequent interviews. The research encompassed various neighborhoods to ensure diversity in age, gender, living area, marital status, income level, education, and occupation among participants. Inclusion criteria specified a minimum age of 65 years and the absence of observable cognitive and psychological issues. To enhance credibility of the study, the researcher utilized a multi-dimensional data collection approach and sought expert review. Two knowledgeable professors reviewed and analyzed the codes, data, and categories generated to ensure consistency with participants' statements. For data analysis, a constant comparative analysis method was employed, progressing through 3 stages: open coding, axial coding, and selective coding.
Discussion of Results & Conclusion
The findings indicated that causal conditions, particularly livelihood challenges, along with two facilitating categories—referred to as governmental invisible actions and economic management—played a crucial role in the context of successful aging. To address the consequences of economic insecurity, such as diminished self-esteem, social isolation due to poverty, concerns about inflation and installment purchasing, and fears of rising prices and an uncertain future, financial management strategies were adopted as means to facilitate successful aging. Thus, ensuring the economic security of the elderly was essential for enhancing their quality of life, promoting successful aging, and alleviating the social challenges they faced.
The behaviors and social actions of the elderly are significantly influenced by their economic status, a point well illustrated by the findings of this study. Respondents lacking sufficient economic security often felt compelled to alter their behaviors and adopt strategies aimed at achieving more favorable conditions for successful aging and improving their overall quality of life. This study underscored the precarious balance that elderly individuals navigated between economic security and insecurity, which was encapsulated in the theme of "life on the edge". Given the inevitability of economic insecurity in current conditions, government intervention was vital in improving the circumstances of this demographic class through both direct and indirect economic support.
To this end, it is crucial to establish supportive policies for the elderly, including public services, such as recreational programs, accessible transportation, and utilization of cultural public spaces like libraries and museums. Additionally, providing supplementary insurance coverage, creating specialized healthcare facilities for the elderly, and offering financial resources for social projects targeting this group are essential considerations for social welfare policies aimed at achieving successful aging. |