The cultural of respect and successful aging; underlying approach for participatory-oriented lifestyle

摘要: Population aging is rising in both MEDC (More Economically-Developed Countries) & even LEDC (Less Economically-Developed Countries) due to various factors including an increase of life expectancy and also declining birth rates. Successful Aging (SA) has been brought to scientists and gerontologists’ attentions and thrown into the picture of population aging. According to the definition of SA, one should have physical, mental and social well-being to be considered as a successful elderly. However, various studies show that other factors such as the elderly’s socio-economic status, educational level, living environment and lifestyle have to be involved in the definition of SA. Serious attention was also paid by Iranian scientists to Iran’s aging population. However, despite the large number of studies in the area of Iran’s aging population, no research has been taken on aging with an emphasis on Iranian culture and the role of design in the elderly’s social interactions. This research addresses the concept of “Respect”, as one of the key cultural characteristics of the Iranian, with regards to the concept of SA. A group of 25 aged male and female peoples voluntarily participated in the study. Both structured & non-structured in-depth interviews were administered to see if the idea of “respect” can be traced in their utterances. The results provide some support for the elderly’s definition of being successful, on the basis of retaining social respect & dignity. Accordingly, a conceptual urban furniture was also developed for sharing their very own life experiences with the younger groups. This product, in turn, is believed to facilitate more interactions for the …