The main challenge of the 20th century was “survival”, while in the present century, the main challenge is “improving the quality of life” in three important areas: physical, mental, and social. In the 21st century, a century that has passed 66 years since the hope of life for people in the world, according to the World Health Organization’s estimate, by 2030, the elderly population in the world will reach 16% and in Iran it will reach 17.5%. By 2050, the number of elderly people in the world will reach 2 billion. In other words, about 5.2% of the world’s population is added to the elderly population every year, and with the increase in the number of elderly people, the need to pay attention to their quality of life becomes more important than ever.

But who are considered elderly or elderly people?

Elderly is a relative matter and entering it varies depending

Preserve dignity and respect.

In the final years of life, the concept of dignity becomes a mental concept and is related to a sense of worthiness, influenced by situations or the actions of others. Generally, the concept of dignity is defined in two ways: the first form is inherent in every individual and is known as “personal feeling” which never disappears, and the second form is related to conditions of old age or illness, which can weaken or threaten personal and social aspects and affect an individual’s dignity.

The purpose of ethics towards the elderly is not just giving up our seat for them on a bus or train, but more importantly, showing deep and clear respect for their human dignity and how they live as elderly individuals.

Some factors that enhance the sense of dignity in the elderly include respect, establishing appropriate communication, respecting their privacy and confidentiality, preserving their independence and providing desirable services, suitable housing, social and health services, and other services. On the other hand, factors that threaten the dignity of the elderly include disrespect and

Social behavior

Nowadays, aging is considered a positive event in life in Western countries, which should be accompanied by health, safety, and social participation of the elderly. Therefore, the World Health Organization has proposed increasing social participation of the elderly as an effective solution to combat concerns of societies about the phenomenon of aging. Social participation is a conscious, voluntary, and group intervention process of individuals based on their interests in social activities. If the elderly receive support in their social relationships with family, friends, relatives, and colleagues, and know that they have someone to talk to, it is very effective in maintaining their health and according to doctors, they show signs of Alzheimer’s later than isolated and reclusive individuals. The best way to maintain mental health and avoid depression, which is a characteristic of old age, is to continue social activities. Social isolation and withdrawing into oneself are the most likely ways to create depression and mental decline. Therefore, any kind of social activity that leads to interaction and conversation with others, such as