Meaning of social relations and functional independence of the elderly in Tabriz

 Successful aging, like any other social phenomenon, is affected by a number of causes and factors. Establishing social relations of the elderly in the community and family as well as the degree of independence of their performance can affect this. Accordingly, the purpose of this study is to identify the living relationships, functional status and functional independence of the elderly in Tabriz. The research method used in this research is qualitative and the interpretive phenomenological approach has been used. In this study, a semi-structured interview tool was used. The statistical population of the present study includes the elderly in Tabriz. Samples were selected by purposive sampling method appropriate to the research topic. The statistical sample included 15 elderly people in Tabriz. In this study, the trinity technique, as well as the technique of obtaining accurate parallel information and presenting data analysis were used to validate the research findings obtained from the interviews. The data obtained from the interview were analyzed by the method of interpretive phenomenology proposed by Colizzi and Giorgio (1985). Findings indicate that the elderly studied easily communicated with neighbors and family and their social relationships have improved compared to the past. Therefore, it can be said that the level of interaction and lived relationships of the interviewees is appropriate.