Journal of Social Work Research

Abstract Aging, as a critical stage of the life cycle, is associated with multidimensional challenges in physical, psychological, social, and economic domains that significantly affect the quality of life of older adults. Identifying and analyzing these challenges is essential for formulating effective policies and supportive programs. The purpose of this study is to identify and design a comprehensive model of aging challenges in Iran using a meta-synthesis approach. This qualitative study reviewed scientific research articles on aging in Iran published between 2009 and 2024. Data were collected from reputable databases, including SID, the Iranian Humanities Portal, Noormags, and MagIran. A total of 283 articles were examined, of which 22 qualitative studies met the inclusion criteria and were selected for final analysis. Data analysis was conducted using MAXQDA24, resulting in the extraction of 153 conceptual codes, which were organized into nine core categories. These categories include: physical illnesses, elderly care, psychological and cognitive problems, family-related challenges, healthcare challenges, cultural challenges, economic challenges, urban access issues, and legal abuse. The findings indicate that through comprehensive and innovative policymaking, aging can be transformed from a critical stage into an opportunity for active social participation and the transfer of valuable experiences to future generations, thereby effectively managing the challenges ahead.

Abstract The present study aimed to review the studies related to successful aging in Middle Eastern countries using a systematic review method and a Meta-summary approach to identify the factors affecting successful aging. Forty-three different studies conducted in various Middle Eastern countries over ten years ending in 2023 were subjected to systematic review. After assigning codes and conducting a holistic analysis of the reviewed articles, the extracted cases were analyzed, synthesized, and combined. The results showed that six individual, religious, economic, lifestyle, social, and cultural factors are effective in successful aging. The relevant theories on successful aging that existed in the reviewed studies were studied, and important points such as successful aging theoretical models and the disengagement theory were highlighted as theoretical findings of the research. The findings indicate that physical and mental health, social relationships and support, being with family, having savings and insurance, relying on spirituality, and having a healthy lifestyle are the most important indicators of successful aging in the Middle East.

Abstract The elderly are one of the target groups of social workers.The experience of aging, from the point of view of the elderly, on the one hand reveals the facts that are hidden to us and on the other hand provides us with a deep, inclusive and meaningful understanding of the socio-cultural status of aging in society. On this basis, a deeper understanding of the issues and needs and challenges that the elderly face is essential to adopt and develop appropriate programs to achieve dynamic and health-centric agingThis study is a qualitative study using phenomenological approach to study the life experience of elderly people in Isfahan. The sample was saturated in the target-based theoretical sampling method in 20 cases and then no new data were obtained, thus, by the logic of qualitative research sampling, the same number was sufficient, until a semi-structured interview was conducted.Interview data were analyzed using Phenomenological method in Colaizzi method. According to the findings of this study, the problems, needs and harms of old age perceived by the elderly in four physical, economic, emotional and emotional contexts (disrespect and disregard for the elderly, feelings of loneliness and exclusion, deprivation of children and social domination) and social (Lack of familiarity with modern space and curiosity, the problem of leisure time), as well as the perception of the elderly of these times, were identified in two categories: the feeling of dissatisfaction and appreciation (majority narrative) and the feeling of non-biological satisfaction in aging (narrative of the elderly).

Abstract This study deals with study of dissatisfactions of Tehranian elders in family relations in order to understand the nature, types and lived experience of the elderly in dissatisfaction in these relationships by using qualitative approach and phenomenology method. Sampling method was purposeful sampling with a combination of convenience and snow-balling strategies. The study population consisted of 30 elderly men and women in Tehran, which was done semi-structured deep interviews and data was analyzed by thematic analysis. The findings suggest that the elderly, while having neglect understanding of dissatisfaction, had multiple experiences of dissatisfaction and its types, most notably verbal abuse, physical abuse, emotional/affectional abuse, discredit and lack of care by family members. Dissatisfaction can be classified into five categories according to the types of abuses experienced by the elderly in family relationships: emotional dissatisfaction, verbal dissatisfaction, care dissatisfaction, economic and financial dissatisfaction, and physical dissatisfaction. The elderly have taken different strategies to deal with these dissatisfactions, most notably silence and tolerance, and selective exclusion. The findings indicate that the elderly, although experiencing duplicate and multiple dissatisfactions, but the form of this experience is’nt comprehensice and follows a different pattern among elderly people in terms of men/women, illiterate/literate, and employed/non-employed.