Background and Objectives: This research aims to investigate the components of Rowe and Kahn's successful aging model, encompassing the absence of disease and disability, high cognitive and physical performance, and active participation in life among the elderly population in Tehran in 2020, considering both genders.
Methods: This study utilized a survey approach, involving a sample of 637 individuals aged 60 years and above in Tehran. The sample was selected using a multi-stage cluster sampling method from 22 districts of Tehran, considering the elderly population in each district. Confirmatory structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to assess whether Rowe and Kahn's model aligns with the collected data.
Results: The study's findings demonstrated that Rowe and Kahn's model exhibited a strong statistical fit (p<0.01). Factor loadings in the overall population model and among the two genders were statistically significant and varied. Across the three dimensions of successful aging (avoiding disease and disability, maintaining physical and cognitive functioning, and continuing engagement with life), avoiding disease and disability was the most strongly associated with successful aging, regardless of gender. However, in the other two dimensions, the significance and strength of participation in life and physical and cognitive function varied based on gender.
Conclusion: Programs to support the physical health of the elderly, especially in chronic diseases resulting from lifestyle choice should be developed, and increasing active participation should be a priority, which requires interventions in youth and middle age.
