Well-being in old age: perspectives from older adults in Iran (a qualitative content analysis study)

The growing older adults' population made their well-being as a global concern. Considering the cultural and contextual differences across societies, it is essential to explore the dimensions of well-being within each specific context. This study aims to identify the dimensions of well-being from the perspective of Iranian older adults. This study employed a qualitative approach, conducting 21 in-depth interviews with older adults, selected through purposive sampling across different districts of Tehran. The interviews were analyzed based on directed content analysis. The findings were compared to a framework developed from a prior scoping review. Six dimensions of well-being identifies in the theoretical framework were confirmed through the interviews, though some subcategories differed. Key findings included: independence and autonomy in daily life and the burden of high healthcare expenditures under the Health dimension; warm family relationship and child's well-being in Social Relationships; inadequate income and financial hardship in Economic Status; recreational activities and trips in Environment and Leisure; and the role of education and literacy in Capabilities and Resources. Economic challenges were particularly impactful on the subjective well-being of older adults. Economic difficulties, peaceful family environment and children's well-being emerged as significant factors in the well-being of Iranian older adults compared to previous theoretical framework.