Introduction
One of the important challenges in today’s societies is the increase in the elderly population [1, 2]. In the old age, physical and mental changes increase; as a result, the adaptability of a large number of older people decreases and they become more prone to vulnerability [3]. People’s need for social support increases during old age. Psycho-social vulnerability, including living alone and feeling lonely, is associated with a high risk of mortality [4]. One of the biggest anxiety-inducing factors in old age is the loss of a spouse for any reason [5], which is considered as a normal event [6, 7]. Remarriage in this period can bring happiness and is one of the ways to achieve peace in life [6]. Considering that remarriage in older women is considered as a taboo Iran [8], the aim of the present study is to investigate the reasons for the non-remarriage of older women in Iran.
Methods
The current study was conducted in 2018 with a qualitative approach and using the conventional content analysis method. Qualitative research is used to investigate complicated and context-dependent problems with an emphasis on understanding human experiences [9]. The participants in this study were 10 older women aged 60-75 from Babol city who had been single, divorced or widowed for at least one year and had the ability to communicate effectively, willingness to participate in research, and no hearing, speech and mental disorders.
The data collection method was in-depth semi-structured interviews until reaching data saturation [10]. Each interview was immediately transcribed and analyzed based on Kvale’s step-by-step guidance. The place and time of the interview were determined by the participants. The results of one interview guided the next interview. With the progress of the interviews, the specialized topics that were more important for the participants were included. To determine the validity of questions used in the interviews, they was reviewed by a panel of experts (Two gerontologists and one expert in social medicine). After that, at least one pilot interview was conducted, preferably after the initial introduction and familiarization using a general and open-ended question.
Results
To determine the trustworthiness of the data, there was a continuous engagement with the subject and the data. The opinions of the faculty members were used in during interviews and data analysis. The transcribes of the interviews and the extracted codes were shared with 4 experts in geriatric care. To determine the confirmability of the data, all the conducted procedures were recorded and a report of the research process was presented. To determine the dependability and credibility of the obtained data, they were reviewed so that the findings be from real data. For transferability, we used sampling method with maximum diversity in terms of demographic characteristics (e.g.,) age, socio-economic status (income, place of residence) and the number of years since the death of the spouse.
From all the interviews, 210 preliminary codes were extracted. In total, 12 subgroups defined for the three main themes. The first theme was “characteristic, changes and views of the elderly” with sub-themes of age, negative attitudes and stereotyped beliefs about old age, physical changes in old age, religious beliefs, unwillingness and not feeling the need to remarriage, and independence. The second theme was “Family and mutual roles of members” with sub-themes of dissatisfaction and discomfort of children, mutual dependence of children and healthy parents, importance of children’s education and success, sense of duty towards other family members. The third theme was “Social relations and its effects” with sub-themes of unpleasant experience from a previous marriage and the support by the people around.
Discussion
Since the participants in our study were older women in Iran, the traditions and norms institutionalized in the society, the opinions of others and the taboo nature of remarriage in old age had caused more worries in them. Therefore, considering the shame and modesty, and the lack of transparency regarding desires in Iranian women which can be related to maintaining independence and adapting to living conditions, one of the most obvious issues to increase the awareness of the society and promote the remarriage of elderly women in Iran is the attention to the beliefs, culture and moral values governing the society and families. Other important issues of single older women in Iran are common prejudices and inappropriate views of their children and others about their remarriage. In this regard, they should learn about themselves and their needs, and all members of the society should take seriously not to violate their rights.

Ethical Considerations
Compliance with ethical guidelines
This study was approved by the ethics committee of Babol University of Medical Sciences (Code: MUBABOL.HRI.REC.1396.22).

Funding
This study was financially supported by the Student Research Committee of Babol University of Medical Sciences.

Authors' contributions
All authors equally contributed to preparing this article.

Conflicts of interest
The authors declared no conflict of interest.

Acknowledgements
Here, we feel it necessary to express our gratitude and appreciation to all the dear and respected seniors who helped us in conducting this study, especially who patiently answered the interview questions. In addition, we are very grateful for the efforts and cooperation of the relevant officials at Babol University of Medical Sciences, without doubt, this study would not have been possible without their support.


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