A Comparative Study for Promotion of Physical Activity in Older Adults in Selected Countries and Providing Action Plans for Iran

This study was designed to conduct a comparative study of strategies for promotion of physical activity in older adults in selected countries and to provide practical strategies in Iran. It is a comparative study with a qualitative strategy. Data have been collected with the technique of documenting using the documents, instructions, articles, research projects and Internet resources in selected countries (USA, Canada, Finland, UK and Japan) and analyzed with Brady's comparative model in four stages. Based on four individual, social, organizational and environmental factors, detailed and valid information of these countries, strategies and practical actions for implementation in Iran were provided. Promoting health literacy, providing access, institutionalizing of older adults’ physical activity, promoting a public culture for older adults’ physical activity , supporting promotion strategies, support and social participation, community acceptance, dual deprivation/benefit, the participation of public and private institutions, the development of macro-management plans, the integration of traditional / modern dual programs, etc. were found . Using the balanced generalizability method, some tactics and practical extraction measures of countries were used as strategies to promote aging sports in Iran. It seems necessary to design and implement a national program and guidelines for aging sports and promote it in our country, which in the coming years will become a country with a large population of older adults.