Document Type : Research
Authors
1
Professor, Department of Sociology and Social Work, Arman Razavi Non-Profit, Non-Governmental Institute of Higher Education, Mashhad, Razavi Khorasan, Iran.
2
Master’s Student in Social Work, Arman Razavi Non-Profit, Non-Governmental Institute of Higher Education, Mashhad, Razavi Khorasan, Iran
10.22067/social.2026.100048.1782
Abstract
With the rapid growth of the older adult population in Iran, promoting their quality of life, independence, and social participation has become a major policy priority. Active aging is a multidimensional concept encompassing health, independence, social participation, economic security, and supportive environments. This study systematically reviewed the literature on the concept, status, and determinants of active aging in Iran. The review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. Persian and English studies were identified through national and international databases. Of 286 records retrieved, 28 studies met the inclusion criteria after duplicate removal and title, abstract, and full-text screening. Data were analyzed using narrative and thematic synthesis. Most studies were cross-sectional, urban-based, and relied on self-reported data. Active aging in Iran emerged as the product of interactions between individual capacities and structural conditions. Its main dimensions included health and functional ability, psychological and cognitive capacity, independence, social participation, family relationships, economic security, enabling environments, and institutional support. The level of active aging was generally reported as low to moderate, with social and institutional participation identified as the weakest dimension. Key facilitators included education, economic security, social and family support, health, self-care, and supportive environments, whereas major barriers were social isolation, poverty, illness, ageism, unsuitable environments, and weak institutional coordination. Women, rural residents, low-income older adults, and those living alone experienced greater disadvantages. Promoting active aging in Iran requires a multisectoral and equity-oriented approach that empowers older adults, reduces inequalities, expands opportunities for participation, improves age-friendly environments, and strengthens community-based services. Further national, longitudinal, and intervention studies are needed to strengthen the evidence base.
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