Measuring social well-being among the older adults: introducing a composite index

Assessing and monitoring social policies designed to enhance the well-being of older adults necessitates a comprehensive metric that encompasses all facets of their lives. In 2019, a cross-sectional study was carried out in Tehran, Iran, involving interviews with 1 280 older individuals to gauge their well-being. The Older Adults' Social Well-being Index (OSWI) was formulated following the composite indicator construction methodology advocated by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. The study revealed that physical health, living standards, insurance coverage, subjective well-being, and social relationships collectively accounted for 54, 67% of the variation in social well-being. District 22 emerged as the most favorable locale in terms of OSWI, while District 18 lagged behind as the least suitable. The municipal districts of Tehran can be categorized into five distinct groups based on the well-being of their residents. By employing OSWI, the study succinctly encapsulates critical dimensions of older adults' lives, uncovering significant disparities in social well-being across Tehran's districts.