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Showing papers in "Iranian Journal of Ageing in 2021"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Elderly care providers and health professionals can benefit from the finding of this study in their interventions to promote the psychosocial well-being of retirees and their families.
Abstract: Objectives: Retirement is a potentially challenging event in old age that has different‏ effects on older people’s lives. This study aims to identify the psychosocial consequences, barriers, and facilitators of adaption to retirement in Iran. Methods & Materials: In this study, we used conventional content analysis. The samples consisted of 22 people with experience or expertise in the field of retirement, who were selected by maximum diversity and purposeful sampling strategy Data were collected through semi-structured interviews from February 2019 to September 2019. Graneheim and Lundman's approach was used for data analysis. Results: Of 22 participants, 59% were male and 41% were female. Four main categories and 13 sub-categories were extracted covering different psychosocial aspects of adaption to retirement Including: Psychosocial challenges (emotional deprivation, reduced psychological resilience, role loss, social isolation, and family challenges), post-retirement development (developing interests and activities, and feeling of being free), barriers to retirement adaptation (health problems, lack of a retirement plan, and macro-structural deficiencies), and contextual/supportive facilitators (individual characteristics, job characteristics, and social support systems). Conclusion: After retirement, people face psychosocial challenges or opportunities for development. In the meantime, some barriers and facilitators can affect adaption to retirement. Therefore, preparation for retirement is an important issue in the field of gerontology services. Elderly care providers and health professionals can benefit from the finding of this study in their interventions to promote the psychosocial well-being of retirees and their families.‎

8 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the prevalence of depression was found to be 55.8% which had a statistically significant relationship with marital status (P<0.001), living status, economic status, family history of depression, history of chronic disease, level of education, and sleep quality.
Abstract: Objectives The outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) due to its rapid transmission has created an emergency situation in global health in less than a few months around the world. This disease not only causes public health concerns but also causes a number of psychological illnesses including depression. The present study aims to investigate the prevalence of depression during the COVID-19 quarantine among the elderly in Iran. Methods & Materials This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted on 432 eligible older adults living in Gonabad city who were selected by cluster random sampling method. Data were collected by a demographic checklist and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) which were completed via phone. Collected data were analyzed in SPSS software using descriptive and inferential statistics, considering a significance level of P<0.05. Results The prevalence of depression was 55.8% which had a statistically significant relationship with marital status (P<0.001), living status (P<0.001), economic status (P<0.001), family history of depression (P<0.001), history of chronic disease (P<0.003), level of education (P<0.001), and sleep quality (P<0.001). Conclusion Depression has a high prevalence among the elderly in Gonabad city during the COVID-19 quarantine. In this regard, related interventions for this group should be considered in the plans of health care providers.

6 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is necessary to pay more attention to nutrition and health responsibility in health-promoting interventions of older clergymen to understand the mechanism of the effect of spirituality on health of Older clergymen.
Abstract: Objectives: Healthy lifestyle along with spirituality affect the physical and mental health of older adults. Regarding the older clergymen’s experience of spiritual life, this study aims to evaluate the role of health-promoting lifestyle in predicting cognitive status of older clergymen. Methods & Materials: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 190 older clergymen living in Qom, Iran who were selected using a convenience sampling method and based on the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II and Mini-Mental State Exam were used to collect data. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS V. 22 software using descriptive and inferential statistics (Correlation test, linear regression analysis, independent t-test, and ANOVA). The significance level was set at 0.05. Results: The mean age of participants was 70.55±6.86. There was a significant positive relationship between health-promoting lifestyle and cognitive status (r= 0.295, P= 0.001). The results of multiple regression analysis showed that the dimensions of health responsibility and nutrition along with employment status explained almost 14% of the variance in cognitive status. Conclusion: it is necessary to pay more attention to nutrition and health responsibility in health-promoting interventions of older clergymen. Further studies with a qualitative approach are recommended to understand the mechanism of the effect of spirituality on health of older clergymen.

6 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the psychological effects of media use on the mental health of community-dwelling older adults during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Abstract: Objectives Low media literacy and exposure to media-produced content during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic can affect the health of people in the community. This study aims to investigate the psychological effects of media use on the mental health of community-dwelling older adults. Methods & Materials In this descriptive-analytical study with a cross-sectional design, 200 elderly people aged >= 60 years participated who were selected from daycare rehabilitation centers and retirement centers in Kerman, Iran in 2020 using a convenience sampling method. Data were collected using a demographic form (Surveying age, gender, education, occupation, marital status, income, and media use), and the 12-item General Health Questionnaire. Results The mean age of participants was 66.60 +/- 5.08 years. More than three-quarters of them were following the latest COVID-19 news via media (Local radio and television). Most of them (77.4%) had poor mental health status. Higher educational level (P<0.001), employment (p=0.003), and low frequency of media use (P<0.001) were the protective factors against poor mental health. High-frequency media use was a risk factor for the mental health of older adults during the COVID-19 outbreak. Conclusion The mental health of community-dwelling older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic is affected by media use and its frequency. It is recommended that older adults should avoid following the latest COVID-19 news, especially those from unreliable sources. Moreover, media managers should have more control over the news related to the COVID-19.

4 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the elderly were reviewed, such as the causes of the severity in the elderly, psychological problems of the elderly; the relationship between comorbidities and COVID-2019 severity, and the comparison of COVID19 with other pandemics.
Abstract: Objectives The present study aimed to review the effects of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the elderly. In this study, we reviewed topics, such as the causes of COVID-19 severity in the elderly;the psychological problems of the elderly;the relationship between comorbidities and COVID-19 severity, and the comparison of COVID-19 with other pandemics. Methods & Materials This systematic review study was conducted in 2020 by searching in international Internet search databases. Boolean Operator (AND, OR) was used for a combined search without a time limit. The search strategy was limited to Persian and English articles using the following keywords: "older adults, COVID-19, psychological problems, social isolation, elderly abuse, ageism". Finally, based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the study, the remaining 58 studies were included in the study. Results The results of the studies were extracted and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the elderly were examined in 8 parts, as follows: Why COVID-19 is more common in the elderly and has more complications;what are the mortality and complications of COVID-19 in the elderly;COVID-19 and underlying diseases;psychological problems caused by COVID-19 in the elderly;COVID-19 and abuse in the elderly;COVID-19 and ageism in the elderly;the comparison of COVID-19 with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), and influenza epidemics in the elderly, and care for the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic poses serious challenges for the elderly globally. To address these challenges, everyone must work, from government officials to individuals and families. Governments should enact laws that minimize the potential age-related abuse and discrimination and provide equal opportunities for all society members, regardless of age or gender. Families should also be aware of the increasing social isolation of the elderly and keep in touch with them.

4 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It seems that one of the effective factors in reducing social isolation especially in the disable older adults is establishing or strengthening supportive social networks.
Abstract: Objectives: Social isolation can lead to depression, reduced life expectancy, and increased death anxiety among older adults. The present study aims to determine the predictors of social isolation in community-dwelling older adults residing in Qazvin, Iran. Methods & Materials: This descriptive cross sectional study was conducted on 301 older adults in 2019 who were selected using a cluster sampling method. Data were collected using a demographic/clinical checklist, Lubben Social Network Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule, 5-item World Health Organization Well-Being Index, and Pargament’s Religious Coping Questionnaire, which were completed through face to face interview. The collected data were analyzed using multivariable regression analysis. Results: The Mean±SD age of participants was 68.63±7.31 years. Multivariate regression analysis showed that the significant predictors of social isolation were social support (β=0.333, P<0.001), disability (β=-0.137, P=0.018), and living with spouse (β=0.154, P=0.010). The social isolation was reduced by increasing social support, decreasing disability, and living with spouse. Conclusion: Given the role of social support and disability in predicting social isolation in the elderly, it seems that one of the effective factors in reducing social isolation especially in the disable older adults is establishing or strengthening supportive social networks.

3 citations




Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a qualitative study employed a content analysis method to discover the lived experiences of the older adults from quarantine during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Abstract: Objectives The present study aimed to discover the lived experiences of the older adults from quarantine during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods & Materials This qualitative study employed a content analysis method. Sampling was performed in 10 subjects using a purposive sampling method and continued until data saturation. Semi-Structured face-to-face interviews were used to collect the necessary data. The texts of the interviews were analyzed by qualitative method. Results As a result of the interviews, the two main themes of negative outcomes with the sub-themes of illness anxiety, low mood, death anxiety, interpersonal conflicts, social isolation, treatment limitations, and reduced physical activity as well as the main themes of positive outcomes with the sub-theme of lifestyle improvements were discovered. Each of the above-mentioned themes had several supporting semantic units. Conclusion The themes discovered based on lived experience provided useful information about the effects of quarantine on biopsychological health and quality of life of the elderly;these characteristics can be considered in treatment planning and measures for this group.

1 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the prevalence of elder abuse and its gender differences among community-dwelling older adults in Tabriz, Iran and reported that 52.6% of older adults experienced emotional neglect and financial abuse from family members.
Abstract: Objectives: Elder abuse is a phenomenon that has become more apparent with the increase in aging population, but there are insufficient evidences about the prevalence of elder abuse and gender differences in this area. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the prevalence of elder abuse and its gender differences among community-dwelling older adults in Tabriz, Iran. Methods & Materials: In this cross-sectional study, 414 older adults aged ≥60 years were recruited from health complexes and centers in Tabriz, Iran in 2018 by using random sampling method. Data collection tools were a demographic form and the Domestic Elder Abuse Questionnaire which were completed through interview. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS V. 22 software. Results: It was reported that 52.6% had experienced abuse by family members. Emotional neglect was the most common type of elder abuse (26.6%) followed by financial abuse (17.6%). Physical abuse was the least common type of elder abuse. Except for financial abuse, older women had experienced more abuse than older men. Of those who were abused, only 31.7% recognized it as elder abuse. Conclusion: Most of older adults experience emotional neglect and financial abuse from family members and perceive them as their normal behaviors. Older women experience more abuse than older men. It is necessary to prevent elder abuse and familiarize older adults with different types of elder abuse.

1 citations



Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored the data of all geriatrics admitted following COVID-19 in the medical centers affiliated with Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences (MUMS).
Abstract: Objectives The elderly are at higher risks for developing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Besides, when generating the illness, they have a higher risk of death. Recognizing clinical characteristics and risk factors associated with morbidity and mortality in the elderly is necessary to prevent mortality in similar infectious diseases. Methods & Materials This descriptive research explored the data of all geriatrics admitted following COVID-19 in the medical centers affiliated with Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. These data were collected from February 20, 2020, to February 20, 2021. Data analysis was performed by SPSS using logistic regression analysis. P = 90 years. There was a significant relationship between age, gender, and COVID-19-induced death in the elderly (P<0.05). Older adults presented the highest death rate due to this disease Men were 10% more prone to die from COVID-19 than women. Major comorbidities recorded in this population were kidney diseases (92%), cancer (76%), diabetes (32%), and cardiovascular diseases (17%). Conclusion Preventive measures to support the elderly are essential to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, it is essential to focus on the specific health needs of the elderly, such as proper nutrition, wellbeing, and mental health promotion.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors applied a phenomenological approach to understand the lived experience of athletic older adults from the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Abstract: Objectives Epidemics create extensive socio-behavioral changes in all areas, sport is no exception. The current study aimed at understanding the lived experience of athletic older adults from the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods & Materials The present qualitative research applied a phenomenological approach. The study participants were 16 athletic older adults in Tehran City, Iran who were selected by the purposive sampling method. Through in-depth and unstructured interviews, the required data were collected. The obtained data were analyzed using the seven-step Diekelman's (1993) approach. Results According to the obtained data, 4 categories of meanings were identified about the lived experiences of the explored elderly from the COVID-19 pandemic. These categories included the experiences of psychosocial isolation and thinking about death;the marginalization of older adult's sports;mood swings and lifestyle changes, and finding opportunities for sports activism. Conclusion These concepts of experiences in the life-world of athletic older adults in Tehran from the COVID-19 pandemic were the constitutions of their social action. In the case of proper analysis and application, they can be helpful in better managing professional sports in epidemics.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used multistage sampling method to assess SWB, and investigate the risk factors associated with declined SWB in the elderly during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Abstract: Objectives The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)pandemic could be considered as an uncontrollable stressful public health crisis. The ease of transmission of COVID-19 and its potential to kill older adults could affect older adults' Subjective Wellbeing (SWB). This study aimed to assess SWB, and investigate the risk factors associated with declined SWB in the elderly during the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods & Materials In this cross-sectional study, a total of 400 older adults (age: >60 years) were studied from April 4 to June 20, 2020, in Mashhad City, Iran. In this study, the multistage sampling method was used. In the first stage, 5 healthcare networks were considered as 5 clusters. Next, from each healthcare network, one healthcare center was randomly selected and considered as a cluster. Then, to reach the desired number of samples, 80 subjects were randomly selected per healthcare center and entered into the study. After obtaining permission for entrance to the healthcare centers from the Vice-Chancellor of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, the researcher in charge of research referred to the healthcare centers;after obtaining permission from the center officials, the researcher collected the telephone numbers of the elderly from their records and completed the demographic and main questionnaire used by telephone for all study participants. The questionnaires were completed in June 2020. Each day, 20 elderly were examined;accordingly, except for the 10 days off in June 2020, the questionnaires were completed in the remaining 20 days of the month. The SWB of the elderly was assessed using the Persian version of The 5-item World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5). The obtained data were analyzed in SPSS using descriptive statistics, Chi-squared, and logistic regression tests at the significance level of 0.05. Results The Mean +/- SD age of the study participants was 66.7 +/- 5.8 years. Of the total research participants, 224(56%) were females and 176(44%) were males. The mean +/- SD SWB scores in the explored elderly were 44.8 +/- 24.7. Furthermore, the SWB score in 285(71.2%) of the study sample was <50, indicating low an SWB. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to identify associations between the SWB and contextual variables. Loneliness (OR=8.28, 95%CI: 4.79-14.31), chronic illness (OR=23.77, 95%CI: 13.42-42.08), isolation (OR=8.03, 95%CI: 3.72-17.30),and physical inactivity (OR=7.37, 95%CI: 2.98-18.18) predicted lower SWB in the study subjects. Conclusion The present research results indicated that the SWB of the examined elderly was undesirable concerning the COVID-19 crisis. Thus, to maintain and improve the SWB of older adults at times of major life events and threats, like the COVID-19 pandemic, the adoption of coping strategies should be considered.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a cross-sectional study was conducted on individuals aged >= 50 years, including middle-aged and aging suspected of COVID-19 referring to registration centers in Shahroud University of Medical Sciences from February 20th to Jun. 20th, 2020.
Abstract: Objectives The outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has influenced all age groups;however, the risk of mortality increases with age. Several factors impact the development of this disease. This study aimed to determine the relationship between some risk factors in the development of COVID-19 among community dwellers of >= 50 years of age. This cross-sectional study was performed at Shahroud University of Medical Sciences from April 1, 2019, to June 20, 2020. Methods & Materials This cross-sectional study was conducted on individuals aged >= 50 years, including middle-aged and aging suspected of COVID-19 referring to registration centers in Shahroud University of Medical Sciences from Feb. 20th to Jun. 20th, 2020. The basis for diagnosing COVID-19 in suspected cases was a positive Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test based on a nasopharyngeal swab or Computed Tomography (CT) scan. The data used included demographic information, a history of smoking, and comorbidities. Data analysis was performed in SPSS by descriptive statistis, Chi-squared test, Independent Samples t-test, and logistic regression model. Results In the first 4 months of the COVID-19 outbreak, 3945 suspicious cases were referred to Shahroud healthcare centers. After removing the missing cases, of the 3119 registered cases, 1348 participants were aged >= 50 years. Of all eligible participants, 602 cases were diagnosed with COVID-19, and 303 were males. The obtained data suggested that the Mean +/- SD age of the study subjects was 66.62 +/- 11.33 years. Diabetes (P=0.014) and other comorbidities, such as asthma, acute respiratory, hepatic and kidney diseases, and cancer in borderline significantly increased the incidence of COVID-19 by 38% and 32%, respectively. An increase of one unit in Body Mass Index (BMI) (P=0.002) enhanced the odds of infection by 4%. Conclusion Based on the multivariate logistic regression results, high BMI and diabetes were significant risk factors in the development of COVID-19 among aged subjects. This conclusion emphasizes the importance of BMI and diabetes in the assessment of patients in middle-aged and aging groups.