The Key Life Lessons for Healthy Aging: A Qualitative Study

Background: Using the experiences of older adults as social capital can help middle-aged and younger individuals achieve healthy aging. The present study aimed to provide younger generations with recommendations derived from the experiences of older adults on promoting healthy aging. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using conventional content analysis via semi-structured interviews in Tehran, Iran. A total of 26 older adults aged 62 to 78 years were selected through purposive sampling with maximum variation until data saturation was reached. Data were analyzed using the method proposed by Graneheim and Lundman via MAXQDA software (version 10.0). Results: Analysis of the participants’ experiences and recommendations led to the emergence of four main themes, including ensuring financial security, adopting a healthy lifestyle, expanding communications and emotional relationships, and lifelong learning. Conclusion: The findings from the present study underscore the importance of planning and foresight before entering old age. Participants placed the greatest emphasis on financial security as crucial for healthy aging and identified socioeconomic poverty as a significant barrier. This highlights the need for appropriate measures from managers and policymakers, as neglecting these issues could create challenges for healthy aging and impose additional costs on Iran’s healthcare system.