Comparison of Life Satisfaction, General Health and Functionality of Elderly Residents in Public and Private Nursing Homes in Tehran

The purpose of this study is to compare the elderly people in  public and private nursing homes of Tehran in terms of life satisfaction, functionality and general health. The population in this study are the elderly residents of public and private nursing homes in Tehran. Through purposive sampling, 225 of the residents were selected to be studied. Results showed that the residents of public nursing homes had higher health, life satisfaction and functionality than the residents of private nursing homes. Based on the results, it can be inferred  that attention to mere biological and medical needs of the elderly citizens cannot create favorable conditions for them and increase their life expectancy. Attention to biomedical and physiological needs of elderly individuals in addition to their psychological and social needs can help to improve their life conditions at nursing homes.