The meaning of health from the perspective of a group of Iranian elderly: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background and Aim: Health could have a specific meaning for every person and its related issues could affect all aspects of person’s life. Understanding the meaning of health and disease, especially in the elderly as a vulnerable group is an introduction to more realistic planning based on the existing realities and expectations of the patients. The aim of this study was to clarify the meaning of health in a group of elderly men and women in Iran. Methods: This study is qualitative content analysis.  A semi-structured interview was conducted with 14 elderly men and women living in Sanandaj city. After recording the data and transcribing it, the data was categorized based on qualitative content analysis and its themes were extracted. Findings: The results of the study were in four themes including having a healthy body and a good mood, having spirituality and doing religious practices, satisfaction and positive thinking about oneself and family and last but not least, doing appropriate and independent activities daily. Results: The results of the study indicated that themes such as health and its related issues in different cultures  has to be more broadly explored from the perspective of health care recipients, especially vulnerable groups. Thus, it would be possible to have appropriate planning to create and promote the health of this group in the community

Keywords

• content analysis
• qualitative research
• elderly
• health