Analysis of Factors Affecting the Growth of Elderly Life Expectancy; Case Study: Nursing homes in Karaj

Expended Abstract Introduction: Given the industrialization of societies and its economic, cultural, and moral consequences,the growing population of the elderly,the emergence of many diseases, and problems of aging which is caused by the unfavorable condition of their lives,  the basis for the health of the elderly should be established by promoting the quality of life and it should also be stepped up to achieve dynamic aging.    The purpose of this research is to provide factors and attributes that affect the index of hope and quality of life and achieve a desirable and satisfactory environment for the elderly. They have been effective in restoring their physical and psychological well-being, providing them with refreshment and higher level of  life expectancy and ultimately improving the quality of life of the elderly. Therefore, the issue of paying attention to elderly people living in nursing homes can have a positive effect on highlighting the role and importance of the elderly and improving their quality of life in the society. Method: In order to carry out the research and achieve its goal, a descriptive-analytical method has been used in a survey approach that includes library and field studies. The library method with tables and statistics is used to reach the psychology and sociology of the elderly and the situation of the elderly in different societies and the principles of design and architecture criteria for the elderly. Field studies, including interviews with the elderly, experts in the fields related to the issues of the elderly, specialists and others, have been used as a supplementary method to the library methodology so as to meet the expectations and needs of the elderly as the main beneficiaries. SPSS software and one-sample t-test were also used as an instrument for data analysis and evaluation. Findings: Considering the result of exploratory factor analysis that was performed on the variables included in the questionnaire, 11 factors were identified as the main factors affecting the increase of quality and life expectancy of the elderly which apart from the factor of lack of complexity and ambiguity, other factors, such as ease of access to spaces, safety and security, dynamism and attractiveness, unity and integrity, freedom, comfort, communication with nature, social participation, educational and cultural activities, and place belonging to raising the level of life expectancy in the elderly have a significant effect.  According to the research findings, the ease of access is a good environment for public and private spaces associated with the physical and mental constraints of the elderly. The adaptation of the public space to the sensory and physical needs of the elderly will make them feel comfortable. In this way, it is important to pay attention to the design of the furniture in a manner that is consistent with the requirements of aging, the type and color of the flooring and the slope of the sidewalks, the design of various spaces for the gathering and chatting of the elderly. The freedom of the elderly in the public sphere helps to strengthen their sense of self-sufficiency and sense of usefulness. It is important to create diversity in the use of public spaces and to provide a wide range of choices to stimulate the sense of dynamism in the elderly. Enjoying nature and watching the natural environment is important in helping the elderly. Paying attention to the inner concepts of each element (codename and ambiguity) in designing the public space, along with the concepts and form of the element, and encouraging the elderly to act sensory-mental-perceptual, to discover the meaning of the element, in restoring self-confidence to the elderly and persuading, they  play an important role in public participation in public space. In public space, solutions should be considered for the micro scale and how they interact, in order to avoid excessive variation in the public space and a kind of disorder and lack of integrity. Because this irregularity ultimately leads to confusion among the elderly and their refusal to frequent participation in public space. In addition to the above, the existence of a safe environment for life is one of the essential requirements of human life. Failure to meet the need for human security in collective spaces not only prevents him from achieving higher-level needs, such as self-actualization, aesthetics, knowledge, and understanding, but reduces social interactions and ultimately leads to the absence of public spaces. Being at the optimum level can create a sense of humor for the elderly, as it enables the visibility of the surroundings and strengthens the sense of security in the individual. Other things you can do to achieve this are as follows: - Observing the scale of the human space and scale. - Forming of space and ability to be visible and readable. - Creating visual comfort through proper orientation with signs and marks, harmony of views in terms of form, color and type of materials,line of glass, and appropriate lighting. Discussion: Regarding the results of the field research on the elderly living in the elderly homes of Karaj, attention to 11 factors in designing the space for the elderly and increasing their life expectancy is necessary according to the results of the Friedman Ranking test . The four factors that have the greatest impact on improving the quality and life expectancy of the elderly are the relationship between the elderly and nature, the elderly social participation, comfort, participation in the educational and cultural activities of the elderly. In the study of the relationship between the quality of life and physical activity, the findings of the research showed that the quality of life has a significant relationship with daily activities of life. Therefore, it is recommended that plans be made to increase social participation, improve medical and health services, and provide counseling services in the elderly population with the aim of preserving and enhancing their ability to have an independent life more than before. Space design is the core of the research, so that space is the factor for engaging people. Since social communication and interaction is between individuals that keep the human soul alive and hope for it. Round spaces have a positive effect on the interaction of individuals as well as on the happiness of individuals. We can design spaces and even layout furniture. Achieving dynamic aging through active engagement of the elderly with life, acceptance of purposeful, valuable and identity-based social commitment from him, the need for optimal, conventional social interaction with the aging interest of the community is possible. In order to have a dynamic old age, the quality of life as a consequence of mental health is undifferentiated. According to the findings of this research, it seems that understanding different needs of the elderly and trying to meet these needs and respecting their preferences in the design of spaces for the elderly can be in good old age and quality improvement as well as  their life expectancy and achievement of successful aging goals. Meanwhile, it is hoped that attention and utilization of the environmental notions explained in this article in designing and improving the living space of the elderly, the presence and participation of the elderly in public spaces and collective activities and the achievement of the transcendental goals of the successful aging idea were provided. Ethics of publishing Authors Contribution All authors have had efficent contribution on this article. Financial Resources For publishing of this article, it hasn’t received any direct financial support of any organizations. Conflict of Benefits This article has no conceptional contradiction with other publications of the authors. Although it is along the author studies and research interests, it has no overlap with them. Following Principles of Research Ethics All rights related to research ethics are followed in this article.