Perception of Healthy Lifestyle Among Iranian Elders: A Qualitative Research

Abstract

Objectives: Healthy lifestyle, as a social determinant of health, is an important source of health promotion, especially in older adults. Given the association of lifestyle to social context, interpreting and recognition of the healthy lifestyle concept may greatly impact on making more appropriate the health promotion interventions. This study aimed to describe the healthy lifestyle as older adults perceive it. Methods & Materials: A qualitative content analysis approach was used in this study. A purposeful sample of 16 community dwelling older adults aged 60 years or older were interviewed. Peer check, member check, and prolonged engagement were considered for building trustworthiness. Results: The healthy lifestyle is composed of 2 main personal and social health related behavioral categories and 12 subcategories of doing healthy habits, having social roles, maintaining inter-personal relationships, having good quality sleep, stress control, prevention of health deterioration, doing daily living activities, observance on healthy food , passing good leisure time, having purpose in life, and being mentally active. Conclusion: Behaviors related to healthy lifestyle in Iranian older adults are influenced by Islamic-Iranian culture and can be divided in 2 major groups: Personal and social