Longevity

The aim of this study was to determine and prioritize the dimensions, components, and indicators of elderly caregiver empowerment. This research is applied in terms of its objective and adopts a mixed-methods approach in terms of methodology. In this study, a research synthesis method was employed to systematically review related studies, and qualitative analysis was used to identify the main dimensions and components of elderly caregiver empowerment. The results identified five key dimensions in the training section: practical skills, communication skills, psychological and emotional support, management and leadership, and the use of technology. Moreover, in the empowerment section, seven dimensions were identified: training and skill development, healthcare services, social and psychological support, living environment and accessibility, financial and economic support, family awareness and education, and cultural awareness and information dissemination. Subsequently, using Chang’s Fuzzy Delphi techniques, the identified dimensions and components were prioritized. Elderly caregiver empowerment requires fundamental improvements, particularly in the areas of practical training and psychological and emotional support, whereas the use of technology ranked lower due to implementation complexities and limitations. The empowerment model was designed by integrating research findings and expert feedback, and by presenting a comprehensive model, the study explains the factors influencing the empowerment of elderly caregivers and provides practical recommendations to improve the quality of training and skill development of these caregivers.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS) exercises on certain indicators of respiratory function and movement quality in overweight and obese women. In this quasi-experimental study, 36 obese women with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 29 and aged between 25 and 45 years were randomly assigned to experimental (n = 18) and control (n = 18) groups. The experimental group participated in three weekly sessions of 45 to 60 minutes of DNS training over a six-week period. Respiratory function was assessed using breath-holding tests (inhalation and exhalation phases) and respiratory rate (breaths per minute), while movement quality was evaluated using the Functional Movement Screening (FMS) test. Assessments were conducted before and after the intervention for both groups. Analysis of covariance revealed that DNS exercises had a statistically significant effect on breath-holding capacity during both inhalation and exhalation, as well as on certain movement quality indicators, including hurdle step, trunk stability push-up, rotary stability, and the total movement score (P < .001). However, no significant differences were observed between groups in respiratory rate, deep squat, in-line lunge, or shoulder mobility (P > .05). The findings suggest that DNS exercises can be effective in improving respiratory function—particularly breath-holding capacity—and certain patterns of functional movement in obese women. Given the limitations concerning some variables, future research employing more precise designs and advanced assessment tools is recommended.

This study examines the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence in the sports and healthcare industries, focusing on improving the quality of life for the elderly in Iran. This research is a narrative review using a descriptive analysis method, based on the examination of scientific studies published between 2020 and 2024. The reviewed sources include academic articles, research reports, and credible documents on AI applications in elderly health and sports. Extracted information has been analyzed under four main themes: improving access to medical services, health data analysis, developing personalized exercise programs, and increasing the efficiency of healthcare systems. The results indicate that artificial intelligence plays a crucial role in enhancing elderly health and can improve their quality of life through health monitoring systems, early disease detection, and intelligent rehabilitation programs. AI also contributes to optimizing medical services and reducing healthcare costs while facilitating remote medical care. However, challenges such as ethical and security concerns, infrastructural limitations, legal barriers, and digital literacy issues among the elderly are major obstacles to the widespread implementation of this technology. The integration of artificial intelligence in elderly healthcare and sports has significant potential to enhance medical and care services. However, to maximize its benefits, developing digital infrastructure, establishing supportive regulations, training specialized personnel, and increasing public awareness of AI advantages are essential. If these challenges are effectively addressed, this technology can play a key role in improving the quality of life for the elderly in Iran.

The primary objective of the present study is to examine the relationship between social health and prosocial personality among elderly men and women. This study employs a survey research method, with a statistical sample consisting of 300 elderly men and women who are members of the retirees’ association in Maragheh. Data were collected using Keyes’ Social Health Questionnaire and the Prosocial Personality Questionnaire developed by Safarinia et al. Data analysis was conducted using one-way and two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results indicated that elderly men and women with higher levels of social health exhibit a more favorable prosocial personality compared to those with moderate and low levels of social health. Additionally, elderly women demonstrated a higher degree of prosocial personality compared to elderly men. Finally, the interaction effect of gender and social health on prosocial personality was not significant. This finding suggests that the level of social health does not differentially impact prosocial personality between elderly men and women, implying that prosocial personality is not solely determined by social health levels. It can be concluded that neither social health nor gender alone is a definitive determinant of prosocial personality.

The objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive review of the key steps, industry insights, and success strategies for launching a hydrotherapy business. This study employed a literature review approach with descriptive analysis. Relevant studies and articles related to hydrotherapy and therapeutic businesses from 2014 to 2024 were collected from reputable databases. The extracted data were evaluated using both qualitative and quantitative criteria, and market trends, as well as existing opportunities and threats, along with management and marketing strategies in this field, were analyzed. The findings indicate that success in launching a hydrotherapy business requires an integrated approach that combines thorough market research, the adoption of innovative technologies, the development of effective marketing strategies, and quality service management. Additionally, digitalizing processes and innovating service delivery have been identified as key factors in enhancing customer satisfaction and economic efficiency. This study emphasizes that integrating modern management approaches with technological innovations can pave the way for a successful and sustainable hydrotherapy business. Managers and entrepreneurs can optimally leverage existing opportunities by utilizing accurate market data and adopting contemporary strategies.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of aquatic exercises on the physical and mental health of the elderly. This descriptive review study was conducted by analyzing articles published between 2014 and 2024. Data were collected from reputable databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and SID. Inclusion criteria included articles focusing on the effects of aquatic exercises on the elderly, published in Persian and English. Data were analyzed qualitatively and comparatively. The results showed that aquatic exercises significantly reduce chronic pain, improve balance and range of motion, and alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety in the elderly. These exercises also significantly enhance sleep quality and life satisfaction. Comparisons with other exercise methods revealed that aquatic exercises are more effective in reducing fall risk and improving motor functions. Aquatic exercises can be considered one of the most effective methods for enhancing the physical and mental health of the elderly. The unique features of the aquatic environment, such as reduced joint pressure and increased safety, make it an ideal option for prevention and rehabilitation in this age group. Expanding access to aquatic exercise facilities and raising awareness about their benefits can significantly improve the quality of life for the elderly.

This study investigates the effect of aquatic exercise on changes in serum blood levels, body composition, and motor performance in elderly men with sarcopenia. In this research, 24 elderly male volunteers with sarcopenia who met the inclusion criteria were selected. The experimental group (n = 12) participated in aquatic exercise training for eight weeks, with each session lasting 45 minutes. The movement speed for both concentric and eccentric phases was set at 2 seconds; the training load was increased by 1 kilogram every six sessions, and the rest interval between sets was 1 minute. The exercises consisted of simple movements in the sagittal and frontal planes targeting the hip, knee, and ankle joints. The control group (n = 11) only remained in water without exercising for six weeks. The criteria of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) were used to assess sarcopenia, and the Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale (GLFS-25) was employed to evaluate motor performance across various dimensions of daily living in the elderly. A 5 cc blood sample was drawn from the antecubital vein of each participant in a seated position, and serum levels of IGF-1, TGF-β, myostatin, and follistatin were measured using the ELISA method. Blood samples were collected in the morning, after 15 minutes of seated rest. The ioi353 body composition analyzer was used for evaluating body composition. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and Bonferroni post-hoc tests were applied at a significance level of α ≤ 0.05. The findings indicated that aquatic exercise led to improvements in serum IGF-1 levels (ƞ = 0.22, p = 0.027) and follistatin (ƞ = 0.36, p = 0.003) in elderly men with sarcopenia. No significant changes were observed in serum TGF-β (p = 0.626) and myostatin (p = 0.508) levels after eight weeks of aquatic training. Additionally, aquatic exercise resulted in improvements in body composition (weight, fat mass, muscle mass, body mass index) in elderly men (ƞ ≥ 0.80, p < 0.001). Finally, aquatic exercise improved motor performance in elderly men with sarcopenia (ƞ = 0.46, p = 0.001). The results of this study suggest that aquatic exercise can be recommended as a safe and effective method for improving certain muscle-related serum markers, such as IGF-1 and follistatin, as well as enhancing body composition and motor function in this population.

This study examines the impact of cognitive and physical interventions on the quality of life and stress among middle-aged retired athletes. Utilizing a narrative and descriptive analysis method, articles published between 2020 and 2024 were reviewed. The findings indicate that physical interventions such as aerobic, resistance, and flexibility exercises lead to improved physical health, increased muscle strength, and enhanced immune function, thereby improving quality of life and reducing stress. Conversely, cognitive interventions like mindfulness exercises and cognitive-behavioral therapy positively affect mental health and stress reduction by altering negative thought patterns and enhancing coping skills. The combination of these interventions creates synergistic effects that contribute to overall health improvement and increased longevity. However, limitations such as the need for long-term commitment, access to resources, and professional expertise may affect the implementation of these interventions. Therefore, it is recommended to design combined and personalized intervention programs that consider individual needs and conditions to improve quality of life, reduce stress, and prevent diseases in middle-aged retired athletes.