How Active Ageing Dimensions are Associated with Mental Health of Older People in the Iranian Context?

-the Active Ageing (AA), as the process of health promotion, collaboration, andsecurity opportunities to increase the quality of life in old age, may be astrategy to prevent many of future challenges in countries like Iran with rapidpace of population ageing. The aim of this study was to measure the AAdimensions in Iran and examine their associations with mental health of Iranianelderly. Methods- A quantitativecross-sectional survey of a random sample of 623 community resident people ofTehran aged 55+ years was conducted. In total, 590people responded. The AA was measured using Active Ageing Index (AAI), including four domains and mentalhealth of participants was measured using 15-item GHQ scale. Associationsbetween them were examined using Mixed-Effect Linear Regression analysis.- The overall AAI score was calculated at 26.8 (men 33.9 vs. women 20.6) out of100. Higher scores in the first domain (employment) and lower scores in the 3rddomain (independent, healthy and secure living)andthe 4th domain (enabling environment)were linked withpoorer mental health, but the 2nd domain (participation in society) showed noassociation.Conclusions- Different aspects of AAI showed differenteffects on mental health. In addition, it seems that the AAI, as a tool formeasuring the AA, needs a profound modification in the Iranian context, usingqualitative studies in Iran.