Examining active aging among Iranian provinces: a TOPSIS analysis

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Sociology

Background:

• Iran faces an increasing aging population, necessitating focused planning and decision-making for the elderly.
• Active aging emphasizes utilizing the elderly's potential for a healthy and engaged life.
• Key aspects include the elderly's ability to work, income attainment, and social/political participation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the level of active aging across Iranian provinces in 2018.
• To evaluate elderly well-being, health, and socioeconomic participation using 11 indicators.

Main Methods:

• Data sourced from the Statistical Center of Iran.
• Indicators adapted from the Global Age Watch approach.
• The TOPSIS (Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) method used for provincial ranking.

Main Results:

• Only Tehran and Alborz provinces demonstrated a high level of active aging.
• 16% of provinces exhibited a semi-developed status.
• A significant 77% of provinces showed unsatisfactory welfare, economic, and social conditions for the elderly.

Conclusions:

• Key indicators for active aging include educational attainment, income levels relative to the median, and life expectancy.
• Analysis of these indicators can inform targeted interventions.
• Strategic planning is essential to enhance the status and well-being of the elderly in Iran.