Longevity

This study aims to explore the relationship between self-esteem, self-perceived aging, and engagement in physical therapy among adults in Tehran. The study investigates how these psychological factors predict participation in physical therapy programs. A cross-sectional design was employed with 160 participants randomly selected from Tehran. Data were collected using the Physical Therapy Engagement Questionnaire, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the Aging Perception Questionnaire. Pearson correlation and linear regression analyses were conducted using SPSS-27 to assess the relationships between variables. The results showed significant positive correlations between self-esteem and physical therapy engagement (r = 0.45, p < 0.01) and between self-perceived aging and physical therapy engagement (r = 0.39, p < 0.01). Multiple regression analysis indicated that both self-esteem (B = 0.53, p < 0.01) and self-perceived aging (B = 0.41, p < 0.01) are significant predictors of physical therapy engagement. The study concludes that enhancing self-esteem and fostering positive perceptions of aging can significantly increase engagement in physical therapy. These findings highlight the importance of psychological interventions in promoting physical health behaviors.

This study aimed to explore the cognitive and physical benefits of Tai Chi in elderly populations in Tehran. It sought to understand how regular practice of Tai Chi influences memory, attention, balance, muscle strength, flexibility, anxiety, and sleep quality in older adults. A qualitative research design was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with 29 elderly participants from various senior centers in Tehran. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, including individuals over 60 years old who were willing to engage in Tai Chi practice. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was reached. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using NVivo software, with thematic analysis used to identify key themes and subthemes related to the benefits of Tai Chi. The analysis revealed several cognitive benefits, including improved memory, increased concentration, faster information processing, enhanced executive function, and reduced anxiety. Physical benefits included better balance, increased muscle strength, improved flexibility, enhanced cardiovascular health, reduced joint pain, and better sleep quality. Participants reported significant improvements in their overall quality of life, citing enhanced social relationships, increased self-confidence, higher energy levels, better stress management, and improved mood. Tai Chi demonstrates substantial cognitive and physical benefits for elderly populations, supporting its integration into health and wellness programs for seniors. The practice enhances mental and physical health, contributing to a higher quality of life. These findings align with existing literature and underscore the importance of promoting Tai Chi as a non-invasive, effective intervention for elderly individuals. Further research with larger sample sizes and diverse populations is recommended to validate and expand these findings.

A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 40 participants from Tehran, divided equally into intervention and control groups. The intervention group received eight 90-minute sessions of BAT over four months. Self-care behaviors and physical therapy engagement were assessed at baseline and post-intervention using validated measures. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests with SPSS-27. Significant improvements were observed in the intervention group compared to the control group. For self-care behaviors, the intervention group showed a mean increase from 32.45 (SD=4.56) to 48.65 (SD=5.23), while the control group showed a non-significant change from 33.12 (SD=4.49) to 34.78 (SD=4.67). For physical therapy engagement, the intervention group improved from 30.78 (SD=5.01) to 46.89 (SD=5.34), whereas the control group had minimal change from 31.23 (SD=4.88) to 32.45 (SD=5.12). ANOVA results indicated significant effects of the intervention (p<.001). Behavioral Activation Therapy significantly enhances self-care behaviors and physical therapy engagement. This intervention can be effectively integrated into treatment programs to improve patient outcomes.

This study aimed to design and validate an educational package to promote a healthy lifestyle based on Iranian and Islamic culture for diabetic patients. This qualitative study used the thematic analysis method of Attride-Stirling (2001) to analyze the content of texts related to Iranian Islamic culture. The statistical population included scientific and research texts related to Iranian Islamic culture and healthy lifestyle from 2011 to 2023. Purposeful sampling was used to select the texts, and data were collected and analyzed through detailed study of the texts. The educational package's validity was assessed using inter-rater agreement, and the Content Validity Ratio (CVR) and Kappa coefficient were calculated. The data analysis identified key components of the educational package, including healthy nutrition, physical activity, stress management, medical care, religious teachings, family and social relationships, and psychological education. The inter-rater agreement for the package's objectives was 0.89, for session content was 0.92, for educational techniques was 0.88, and for time budgeting was 0.91. The Kappa coefficient was 0.86, indicating high agreement among raters. The developed educational package includes 10 sessions, each dedicated to one or more key components, comprising theoretical discussions and practical exercises. The results indicated that the educational package for promoting a healthy lifestyle based on Iranian and Islamic culture has suitable validity and reliability. It can help improve the quality of life and health of diabetic patients. Incorporating religious and cultural teachings in educational packages enhances patients' motivation and participation, leading to better treatment adherence and reduced psychological issues.

This study aimed to explore the concept of exercise-induced hormesis and its implications for aging and longevity. We sought to understand how regular and balanced physical activity could enhance physiological and psychological health in older adults, thereby improving their overall quality of life. This qualitative research was conducted in Tehran and involved 20 elderly participants aged over 65 years who regularly engaged in physical activities. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews until theoretical saturation was achieved. The interviews focused on participants' experiences and perceptions of the impact of exercise on aging and longevity. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis with the help of NVivo software to identify major themes and sub-themes related to the study objectives. The analysis revealed several key themes: physiological effects, psychological effects, social and relational benefits, and lifestyle and habits improvements. Participants reported significant improvements in cardiovascular health, muscle and bone strength, immune function, and reduction in inflammation. Psychologically, exercise led to reduced stress, improved mood, enhanced cognitive function, and increased self-esteem. Socially, participants experienced enhanced social interactions, stronger family relationships, and a greater sense of belonging. Lifestyle improvements included better sleep patterns, healthier nutrition, effective time management, and the cessation of harmful habits. The findings of this study underscore the multifaceted benefits of regular exercise for older adults, highlighting its potential to act as a hormetic agent that promotes both physical and mental well-being. The study suggests that incorporating regular physical activity into the daily routines of the elderly can significantly contribute to improved health outcomes and longevity. Future research should focus on larger, longitudinal studies to further validate these findings and explore the long-term effects of exercise-induced hormesis on aging.

A vast amount of data is generated in various medical fields that can improve predictions and clinical decision-making. The use of big data analytics in medicine, especially in areas related to health and lifespan, can play a crucial role. This article examines the applications of big data in predicting health outcomes using genomic data. Big data analytics in medicine can play a vital role in predicting and managing diseases, improving clinical decision-making, and enhancing health outcomes. Combining genomic data with big data analytics can help identify complex patterns and provide personalized therapies. Given the high potential of this approach, further research is needed in this area to capitalize on available opportunities and address existing challenges.

This qualitative study aimed to explore the role of nutrigenomics and personalized nutrition in improving health status and quality of life among older adults in Tehran. Using semi-structured interviews, this study engaged 24 participants aged 60 years and older from healthcare centers in Tehran. Participants were selected randomly, and interviews continued until theoretical saturation was reached. Data were analyzed using NVivo software, involving initial coding, theme development, and subtheme extraction. Analysis revealed that personalized nutrition based on nutrigenomics had positive effects on both physical and mental health of participants. Specifically, participants reported weight reduction, lower blood pressure, improved heart health, reduced blood sugar levels, decreased stress, increased energy, enhanced mood, and improved concentration. Furthermore, improvements in quality of life included increased vitality, better sleep, enhanced physical activity, and reduced pain, as well as prevention of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. The findings suggest that personalized nutrition informed by nutrigenomics can serve as an effective approach to enhance physical and mental health and improve the quality of life among older adults. However, the study’s limitations and the need for further research using quantitative methods and larger, more diverse samples to comprehensively validate these findings are acknowledged. Additionally, educational programs and economic support are essential to promote personalized nutrition and improve access to healthy food choices.

This study aims to explore behavioral strategies that enhance adherence to healthy aging interventions among elderly individuals in Tehran. It seeks to identify key factors and barriers affecting adherence to health interventions and provide practical recommendations for improving the quality of life among the elderly population. This qualitative research involved 23 elderly participants (13 women and 10 men) from Tehran, with an average age of 67 years. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, focusing on experiences and perceptions regarding adherence to health interventions. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis with NVivo software to identify key themes and sub-themes. The study continued until theoretical saturation was reached. Four main themes emerged from the analysis: social support, intrinsic motivation, access to resources and information, and barriers to adherence. Social support from family, friends, and community significantly influenced adherence to health interventions. Intrinsic motivation, including the desire for better health, stress reduction, and increased satisfaction, played a crucial role. Access to financial, informational, and technological resources was also a key factor in adherence. Barriers such as physical, economic, psychological, and social challenges were identified as significant obstacles. These findings align with previous studies emphasizing the importance of social support, motivation, and resource availability in promoting adherence to health interventions. To enhance adherence to healthy aging interventions, a multifaceted approach addressing social support, motivation, resource access, and barrier management is essential. Programs should incorporate supportive networks, educational initiatives, and accessible resources to improve the quality of life for the elderly. Future research should expand to diverse regions and incorporate mixed methods to further validate and generalize findings.