Introduction
The generation gap refers to the mutual lack of understanding between older and younger generations regarding each other’s values and attitudes, which has become a significant social challenge in many societies, particularly in Asian countries, such as Iran. This gap often arises from the conflict between tradition and modernity. The changes brought about by modernization manifested in family structures, individual attitudes, culture, and technology contribute to the emergence of intergenerational disparities. The generation gap, by fostering intergenerational conflict, can pose challenges for societies and different age groups. Studies conducted in various countries indicate that older adults, influenced by this gap, may face fundamental difficulties. Given the scarcity of localized research in Iran, the present study aimed to explore the perceived challenges of older adults regarding the generation gap. 

Methods and Materials
This qualitative study employed the conventional content analysis method. The study population included older adults, who were selected through purposive sampling from among older adults living in Tehran, Iran. The study included 21 older adults (11 women and 10 men), aged between 65 and 80 years. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured, face-to-face individual interviews. The time and location of the interviews were chosen by the participants. An interview guide was developed by the research team to conduct the interviews. The interviews were conducted by a researcher with prior experience in qualitative research interviewing, from September 2023 to September 2024. The interviews continued until theoretical date saturation. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The transcribed texts were used as the primary data for the study. Both the audio recordings and transcripts were reviewed multiple times by the researcher to gain a comprehensive understanding. Data collection and analysis were carried out simultaneously. For data analysis, the conventional content analysis method developed by Graneheim and Lundman (2004) [22]was used. During the analysis process, meaning units—such as words, sentences, or paragraphs relevant to the interview questions—were identified and extracted from the transcripts. These units were then coded. Codes with similar content were grouped into subcategories, which were then merged to form categories. Data management was facilitated using MAXQDA software, version 11. To evaluate the trustworthiness of the study, criteria introduced by Lincoln and Guba (credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability) were used. This article was reported according to the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) checklist.

Results
The analysis of the interviews led to the emergence of eleven sub-categories and 3 categories, which are presented in Table 1. 



Rejection
This concept refers to a state in which an elderly individual feels excluded from social groups, the community, and their surrounding environment. Through their interactions with younger generations in various settings, older adults form a self-concept characterized by negative dimensions, such as imposed loneliness and isolation, disruption of communication, and marginalized individual and disrupted social participation.

Diminished dignity
Old age is perceived by individuals as a phase of life during which they expect to be treated with dignity and respect by others. However, the experiences of the elderly indicate that the generational gap, by influencing the culture and values of the younger generation, has weakened their regard for the elderly, thereby undermining the elders’ social status and standing. This sense of diminished status is marked by decreased respect in interactions, weakened authority, limitations in power and influence, and limited participation in decision-making. 

Intergenerational Conflicts
Different time periods are characterized by unique conditions and features. People living in a particular era tend to develop significant differences in beliefs, values, and behaviors compared to those from other generations due to the influence of their specific social contexts. In recent years, modernization has profoundly shaped societal changes. Generations that have grown up during this transformation possess fundamental differences from their predecessors. Moreover, the rapid pace of societal change has made it difficult for the elderly to adapt and keep up, leading to the emergence of intergenerational conflicts. These conflicts manifest in various forms and dimensions, with older adults reporting diverse experiences of disagreement, debate, and dispute in their personal, familial, and social interactions with the younger generation. 

Conclusion
The intergenerational gap between older adults and the younger generation constitutes a complex and multidimensional social phenomenon with potentially significant consequences for the psychological well-being, social functioning, and quality of life of the elderly. The findings of this study, consistent with prior research, suggest that older adults perceive this gap as a profound challenge encompassing various dimensions. This challenge manifests in social exclusion, diminished dignity, and intergenerational conflicts, which can generate adverse outcomes for the elderly, negatively affecting their health and overall quality of life. The insights derived from this study highlight the necessity of designing, implementing, and promoting targeted interventions to address the challenges faced by older adults due to the generational divide. 

Ethical Considerations
Compliance with ethical guidelines
This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (Code:IR.SBMU.PHARMACY.REC.1402.012). Prior to the study, the study objectives and methods were explained to the participants, and they signed a written informed consent form. 

Funding
This article was extended from the PhD thesis of Afsaneh Pourmollamirza, funded by the Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences.

Authors' contributions
Conceptualization: Afsaneh Pourmollamirza, Vahid Zamanzadeh, Leila Valizadeh; Editing and review: Vahid Zamanzadeh, Leila Valizadeh, Elham Navab, Hossein Matlabi; Methodology, initial draft preparation, and date analysis: All authors.

Conflicts of interest
The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank Vice Chancellor for Research of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and, all participants in this study for their cooperation. 



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