Study and Compare three groups of active, passive and ecotourist on public health and happiness on elderly of Ilam

Elderly is a sensitive period and quality of life in elderly is of great importance that should not be ignored. The purpose of this study was to compare three groups of active, passive and ecotourist on public health and happiness on elderly of Ilam. By multi-stage sampling method, 514 participants over 60 years old and cognitively intact(152 active, 229 passive and 133 ecotourist) were selected to participate in the study. The data-gathering tool consisted of a 2-part questionnaire: short form of public health(GHQ28) and Oxford Happiness(OHI) used to measure public health and happiness. Analyzing was based on ANVAs, and tucky H.S.D tests. Findings showed that there was significant difference between three groups in public health, and significant difference only between ecotourist and others in happiness. Regarding the results, the status of public health and happiness in ecotourist elderly was better than active and non active ones. Discussion and The result of this study showed that doing exercise and recreational activities including hiking, walking, mountaineering with friends or family members is one of the best activities for elderly people resulting in the improvement and reinforcement of public health and happiness.