Quality of Life and Health of Rural Elderly; Determinants and Policy Requirements

Aims: Due to the special economic and social situation of the rural environment, the rural elderly are at risk of reducing their quality of life compared to the urban elderly. This study aimed to investigate the quality of life and its determining factors among rural elderly in the southern counties of Fars province. Instruments Methods: In this survey research, 825 people were selected by cluster sampling method among the elderly population of Lamard and Mehr cities in the south of Fars province in 2021. Data were collected using a questionnaire that measured the different dimensions of quality of life, as well as its determinants and then were analyzed by the step-by-step regression method. Findings: Children and spouses were the most important sponsors of rural elderly. About 80% of the elderly felt lonely, and about three-quarters felt satisfied with their health. About 45% in physical health and mental psychological health, and about 48% in social-environmental status, have a high quality of life. Conclusion: Feeling of loneliness and cost of living are two important factors in reducing the quality of life and health of rural elderly. Also, the financial support of children and the acquisition of housing plays an important role in increasing the quality of life of the rural elderly.