چكيده لاتين :
Today, a significant percentage of the global population is comprised of the elderly and an increase in the number of old
people is expected due to increased longitivity in different countries of the world. However, their social status is not
appropriately recognized in parallel to population growth in this age group, which has in turn escalated their problems'
scope.
Aging refers to the era of human life when his physical strength diminishes frail. Mental capacity naturally diminishes
with aging and the elderly will be susceptible to various physical and mental diseases. Hence the elderly should not be
treated in a way that they feel incompetent, worthless, and inconsiderate. They deserve to be treated in a way that they
feel valuable and consider themselves as the heart of the family. In addition, family members should benefit from the
elderly's experience and wisdom which can significantly affect the elderly's mental health. The idea that the elderly are
a source of blessing for families and community members will provide a platform to respect them and meet their needs.
As a consequence, their physical and psychological care will be increased.
The old people have a special status and value in Iranian national and religious culture which brings some sort of
sanctity for them. Preserving and recalling this value and the tradition is considered as a superior tradition which should
be transferred to the next generations so that it will not be overlooked. In this regard, the Holy Prophet Mohammad
(PBUH) maintained "Respecting the elderly in my nation, is respecting me". In some Quranic verses, it is also
recommended to respect parents, and provide a special care to the elderly. Moreover, the Holy Quran advises the
children to pay due regard to their parents' mental health and refrain any speech or conduct that irritates them, as
mentioned in one of its Holy verses " Thy Lord hath decreed that ye worship none but Him, and that ye be kind to
parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in thy life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but
address them in terms of honor".
