The dimensions of successful ageing in Iran: “structure” and “agency”

Nasibeh Zanjari, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran
Maryam Sharifian Sani, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran
Meimanat Hosseini Chavoshi, Australian National University
Hassan Rafiey, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran
Farahnaz Mohammadi Shahbolaghi, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran

Successful ageing is a flexible concept that takes on different meanings depending upon cultural context. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the perceptions of multidimensional Successful ageing among Iranian elderly. The data was collected primarily through semi-structured interviews. The stratified purposeful sampling technique was adopted to select respondents for the interview. A sample of 60 persons aged 60 years and older was interviewed face-to-face in Tehran, the capital city of Iran. Collected data were transcribed and analysed using MAXQDA software based on the pre-categories. Directed Content Analysis was employed to data analysis. The findings were presented in 16 sub-categories and six main categories. The main categories were including; social well-being, psychological well-being, physical health, spirituality and transcendence, economic security, and environment and social context; and also. The most prevalent dimension was social well-being and the most prevalent sub-category was positive characteristics. The results indicated successful ageing is not only a single-dimensional concept but also consists of the verity of contextual themes. The definition and meaning of Successful ageing start with an underlying individual/agency dimension such as individual capacity and continues to a higher level of structural dimensions such as environmental amenities. In conclusion, this study indicated that the key determinant of achieving successful ageing is a positive and dynamic interaction of individual, family and environment levels of successful ageing. Keywords: Successful ageing, Directed content analysis, Agency, Structure, Iran.