Author/Authors :
Nedjat, Sima Department of Aging - University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation - Knowledge Utilization Research Center - Tehran University of Medical sciences, Tehran, Iran , Sahaf, Robab Iranian Research Center on Aging - Department of Aging - University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Khankeh, Hamid Reza Department of Health in Emergency and Disaster and Nursing - University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Tehran, Iran, Department of Clinical Science and Education - Karolinska institute, Stockholm, Sweden , Fadayevatan, Reza Iranian Research Center on Aging - Department of Aging - University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Majdzadeh, Reza Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics - School of Public Health and Knowledge Utilization Research Center - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Karimlou, Masoud Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics - Faculty of Tehran Medical Sciences - Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract :
Background: The elderly population’s health has become a priority as their numbers are on the rise and they are increasingly becoming
vulnerable to physical and mental diseases. Studies show that an elderly person’s health depends on his/her utilization of health
knowledge in daily life. Hence, here we investigated the contributing factors of knowledge utilization in the elderly population.
Methods: A qualitative study was conducted through conventional content analysis. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were held
with 29 elderly individuals from Tehran. A focus group discussion was conducted (eight elderly individuals), and an expert panel was
held with nine experts to complement the results.
Results: Upon data analysis, four categories and seven subcategories were extracted. The main categories included provision of basic
needs, maintaining dignity, life satisfaction, and negative feelings toward self and others. The concept of ‘life satisfaction’ held a pivotal
role in relation to the other categories.
Conclusion: Life satisfaction was the main category in the utilization of health knowledge among the elderly. Aging should be foreseen
and forethought to increase life satisfaction. The followings can be effective in increasing life satisfaction in the elderly: Promoting
positive-thinking, placing greater emphasis on spiritualism in life, employment of the elderly, and promoting the culture and tradition of
respecting the elderly.
Keywords :
Iran , Elderly , Old people , Life satisfaction , Knowledge utilization
