ABSTRACT
The population of Iran is approximately 80 million. There has been a significant increase in the older adult population, and those above the age of 60 are expected to increase from 9 percent to 10 percent by 2021. Women outnumber men, and there are likely to be 22 percent more females than males among the older adult population (Islamic Republic News Agency, 2012). This chapter focuses on an analysis of aging trends in Iran during the past three decades. The health status of older adults in Iran is discussed with a focus on the most prevalent health concerns and chronic conditions of older Iranian men and women. Factors that influence the health status of elders including gender, culture, and physical activity will also be reviewed. In particular, this chapter addresses the role and status of physical activity, its barriers and facilitators among older Iranians.
