From Middle-Age Life Style to Success in Old Age: A Sample Study of the Ageing in Tehran

This article aims to identify successful aging and past lifestyle of the elderly under study to help to improve the quality of life of the elderly population. Research data were collected based on quantitative survey using a questionnaire. 341 elderly people aged 60 and over who lived in 22 areas of Tehran were considered to be the sample. The results showed that the respondents who had a better and healthier lifestyle at middle age (40-60 years), led a more successful old age in general as well as in physical, psychological and social aspects. Based on the results of linear regression analysis, respondents with the following characteristics have a more successful old age in general and in social aspects: being married, being more concerned about their health than others between ages 40 and 60, having more positive attitude and orientations and getting access to more facilities and cultural resources. These characteristics are more common among older men than women. 29% of the research sample, which is a high and remarkable figure, have low and very low successful old age. In order to help to improve the situation of such people, this type of elderly should be identified at first. Then, in order to have a successful old age and enhance the quality of their life, effective measures should be taken by developing and providing necessary trainings and adopting appropriate policies and measures.