Longevity

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 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.

This study aims to identify the key factors influencing the development of AI startups in the health and sports sectors. This applied and survey-based study included a sample of 137 managers, experts, and staff from AI startups in health and sports, selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire comprising 39 items across six dimensions. Analytical methods included the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test for normality, confirmatory factor analysis, and the Friedman test for ranking factors. The findings revealed that managerial factors, with a mean score of 4.79, played the most significant role in developing AI startups in health and sports. Economic factors (mean score: 4.55) and advertising factors (mean score: 4.33) ranked second and third, respectively. Innovation, awareness, and cultural factors followed in descending order. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that all questionnaire items had factor loadings above 0.4, demonstrating the construct validity of the instrument. The results highlight that effective management and adequate financial resources are critical for the success of AI startups. Moreover, strategic advertising and raising public awareness can facilitate the adoption of AI technologies. These insights can guide policymakers and managers in designing effective strategies to expand AI startups in the health and sports sectors.

The purpose of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of the Zen technique on alpha waves in elderly residents of the Kahrizak Nursing Home. This was a quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest design and both experimental and control groups. The research population consisted of all elderly residents of the Kahrizak Nursing Home in Tehran in 2023. From this population, 42 individuals (20 men and 22 women) were selected through convenience sampling, and after matching based on age, gender, and cognitive status, they were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups (21 in each group). The tools used in this study were the MoCA questionnaire for detecting mild cognitive impairment and an electroencephalograph (EEG) device. Initially, brain waves of both groups were recorded using a 19-electrode system with a Sienna 40-channel EEG device. Then, the experimental group received 20 sessions of Zen technique training, and EEG data were recorded again for both groups. Analysis was performed on the frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital, and central electrodes using the EEGLAB toolbox in MATLAB software. The power of alpha waves was calculated using analysis of covariance in SPSS 26 software (P < 0.05). The results indicated that the alpha wave power in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The dependent variables of temporal waves [F(1, 35) = 18.915, p < .001], occipital waves [F(1, 35) = 6.835, p < .001], and central waves [F(1, 35) = 6.674, p < .001] were significant, with eta-squared values showing that approximately 35% of the variance in temporal waves, 16% in occipital waves, and nearly 16% in central waves in the experimental group could be explained by the impact of Zen technique training. However, this training method did not affect the frontal and parietal scores in the posttest compared to the control group.

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.