1- Student Research Committee, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran.
2- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran.
3- Microbiology Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran.
4- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran. , ammotalebi@yahoo.com
Abstract: (513 Views)
Introduction and Objective: A strong sense of belonging is crucial for the physical and psychological well-being of older adults, and their social interactions. The age-friendly city offers various opportunities for social participation. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the relationship between age friendly-city indicators and social belonging among older adults residing in Mohammadiyeh City, Qazvin province, Iran.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 300 older adults in 2022. The older adults were selected by a cluster sampling method from six municipal districts of Mohammadiyeh City. Data were collected using the demographic checklist, age-friendly city, and social belonging questionnaires. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software. A multivariate regression model was used for data analysis. The significance level was set at P < .05.
Results: The mean age of the older participants was 67.55 ± 6.00, ranging from 60 to 84 years old. The majority of the older adults were men (n =157, 52.33%), married (n =216, 72.00%), and illiterate (n =157, 52.33%). The older adults expressed the highest level of satisfaction with the safety and ease of traffic (16.86 ± 4.51) and the open spaces of the city (45.61 ± 11.47) indicators. The results also showed that marital status (β: -0.150, p=0.006), under diploma (β=0.170, p=0.003) and diploma (β=0.192,p=0.001) educational level, and safety and ease of traffic (β=0.328, p<0.001) were predictors of social belonging of older adults.
Conclusion: In the present study, the majority of older adults were dissatisfied with age-friendly indicators in Mohammadiyeh city. Based on the results, the older adults who feel safe and have easy access to transportation had a stronger sense of social belonging. The results of this study can effectively assist policymakers and managers in designing the urban space and making it suitable for older adults.
Type of Study:
Research |
Subject:
gerontology Received: 2023/09/12 | Accepted: 2024/01/07 | Published: 2024/10/10