Identification and Prioritization of Effective Factors on Social Health of the Elderly Using Dematel & ISM Methods

Given the growing number of elderly people and the fact that elderly people are more vulnerable to social harm on the eve of aging, such as loneliness, depression, etc., therefore, it is important to promote their social health indicators as factors influencing social development. The factors affecting social health seem to be the product of various factors interacting. The purpose of this study is to identify, prioritize and assess the extent of the interactions between the factors affecting the elderlychr('39')s social health. The method of research was combinatory. The qualitative section is based on identifying the factors that affect the elderlychr('39')s social health through research that identifies and evaluates 14 factors. In the quantitative portion, Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) was used to evaluate factors, and Evaluation Technique and Decision Making Test (DEMATEL) used quantitative analysis and relationships between factors. In this section, 12 experienced experts in the Deputy of Health of Khorasan Razavi province in the field of elderly health participated. The results showed that among the factors studied, socioeconomic status of the elderly, social capital, elderly residence (home shelter), social support, and environmental factors were identified as effective factors on the social health of the elderly; Leisure time, lifestyle and social vitality are identified as effected factors or effects. The researchers suggested that policymakers and specialists should consider prioritizing the causes and effects factors in the elderlychr('39')s social health area, pay particular attention and focus on the effective factors. This will create the ideal conditions for older people with proper planning and reduce the economic burden of old age, as well as social development and advancement in different fields.