Perspectives on aging among middle age: A qualitative study

Background: The growing population of the elderly is a global issue. The perspective on aging affects how we deal with the phenomenon of aging. Understanding how middle-aged women s perspective on aging can help shape public policies to enhance the lives of middle-aged and older women. The purpose of this study is to explain the perspective of middle-aged women on aging.Methods: This qualitative study was performed with conventional content analysis. A sample of 15 middle-aged women was selected from the city s cultural centers, parks, and workplaces for middle-aged people in Tehran. Data were collected and analyzed using in-depth interviews.Results: Middle-aged participants generally had a negative and positive Perspective of aging. Negative prospects include lack of financial security in the elderly, lack of ability to work, fear of dependence, lack of health imagination, fainting, separation from children, fear of loneliness, and fear of moving to a nursing home. Positive perspective: the beginning of a new phase of life, getting experienced and an opportunity to help others.Conclusion: The results of the study show that middle-aged women have a more negative Perspective on aging, which can lead to challenges in their aging. In order for middle-aged to experience good aging, their positive Perspective needs to be strengthened and the negative Perspective corrected.Message to policymakers: A comprehensive and extensive survey of the views and attitudes of middle-aged women about aging at the national level can help planning to improve the health of the elderly. Also, the development and implementation of training programs by health workers to provide a positive concept of aging can prevent negative thoughts about aging and encourage middle-aged people to plan for aging.

کلیدواژه ها:

Aging ، Middle Ages ، Perspective