The elderly population in Iran is increasing at a rapid pace. According to official statistics, approximately 11.5% of the country’s population is currently aged 60 and above, and this proportion is projected to reach around 32% (almost one-third of the population) by 2050. This demographic shift has also impacted Tehran, the most populous city in the country, leading to increased demand for elderly-specific services. On the other hand, psychological disorders are significantly prevalent among the elderly; studies indicate that about one in ten elderly individuals in Tehran suffer from severe anxiety or depression. Furthermore, research reports the prevalence of depression among Iranian seniors ranges from 35% to over 50%, underscoring the heightened importance of specialized counseling and psychotherapy services.

As life expectancy increases and the elderly population grows, the need to focus on the quality of life for this demographic becomes increasingly apparent. Life satisfaction, as a multidimensional indicator, reflects the degree to which personal expectations, goals, and needs are met within a social and psychological context. This article aims to review and analyze selected studies on life satisfaction among the elderly and extract their practical implications for policymaking and social planning.

Descriptive Review

Low Life Satisfaction as a Predictor of Mortality in Very Elderly Men

This study investigated the relationship between life satisfaction and mortality in elderly men. Results showed that lower life satisfaction is associated with a higher mortality rate, highlighting the importance of mental health in promoting longevity in this population.

(St. John & Tate, 2025)

Determinants of Life Satisfaction in Retired Elderly Individuals

This study examined the key determinants of life satisfaction among retired seniors, focusing on health, self-efficacy, social engagement, and family relationships. Findings suggest that strengthening these factors can enhance life satisfaction in this age group.

(Yan & Kang, 2025)

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and Its Relationship with Loneliness, Happiness, and Life Satisfaction in the Elderly

This research explores how the fulfillment of fundamental needs, according to Maslow’s hierarchy, correlates with loneliness, happiness, and life satisfaction in older adults. Results indicate that greater satisfaction of these needs is associated with reduced loneliness and increased happiness and life satisfaction.

(Erdogan & Mersin, 2025)

A Chain Mediation Model: Social Isolation, Loneliness, Death Anxiety, and Life Satisfaction in the Elderly

This article analyzed the relationship between social isolation and life satisfaction in older adults, focusing on the mediating roles of loneliness and death anxiety. The findings show that social isolation reduces life satisfaction through increased loneliness and death-related stress. Enhancing social connections and alleviating existential anxiety may improve life quality in the elderly.

(Yildirim & Kizilgazit, 2025)

Effects of Recreational Games on Happiness, Life Satisfaction, Loneliness, and Somatization in the Elderly

This study assessed the impact of recreational games on the mental health of the elderly. Results demonstrated that participation in these games significantly enhances happiness and life satisfaction while reducing loneliness and somatization symptoms. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of recreational activities in elderly care.

(Yilmaz & Arslan, 2025)

Do Predictors of Life Satisfaction Change in the Years Leading to Retirement? A Case Study on Job and Leisure Satisfaction

This longitudinal study investigated whether predictors of life satisfaction change in the years prior to retirement, focusing on job and leisure satisfaction. Findings revealed that while job satisfaction remains significant, the impact of leisure satisfaction increases as individuals approach retirement, indicating a shift in contributing factors during this transitional phase.(Henning et al., 2025)

Study Analysis

Mental Health and Life Satisfaction

St. John and Tate (2025) found that low life satisfaction correlates with higher mortality, even among physically healthy individuals. This underscores the critical role of mental well-being in life expectancy. Similarly, Yildirim and Kizilgazit (2025) demonstrated how social isolation diminishes life satisfaction via loneliness and death anxiety.

Basic and Psychological Needs

Erdogan and Mersin (2025), drawing on Maslow’s theoretical framework, emphasized that fulfilling human needs—especially belonging, esteem, and self-actualization—leads to reduced loneliness and enhanced happiness and life satisfaction. These findings stress the importance of addressing spiritual and psychological dimensions in aging policies.

Role of Social and Family Relationships

Yan and Kang (2025) highlighted the importance of strong family ties, active social participation, and self-efficacy as key predictors of life satisfaction in retired seniors. These align with Yildirim and Kizilgazit’s (2025) emphasis on the significance of social support networks.

Engagement in Meaningful Activities

Yilmaz and Arslan (2025) found that engaging in recreational activities improves mental health by boosting happiness, reducing loneliness, and lowering physical symptoms. This affirms the therapeutic role of group-based leisure activities.

Shifting Predictors Near Retirement

Henning et al. (2025) found that, near retirement, the importance of leisure satisfaction increases relative to job satisfaction. This shift calls for a reevaluation of pre-retirement interventions.

Conclusion

A review of recent studies shows that life satisfaction in older adults results from a complex interaction of psychological, social, physical, and spiritual factors. Mental health, social participation, the fulfillment of basic needs, and meaningful activities all contribute significantly. Future elderly care policies should adopt a comprehensive and multidimensional approach that integrates all these elements.

Mental Health and Prevention Program

Based on current research, life satisfaction in older adulthood is influenced by a combination of psychological, social, spiritual, and physical factors. To improve the quality of life in this population, a comprehensive mental health program is proposed as follows

 Mental Health Screening and Monitoring

Conduct regular assessments using validated tools to identify mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, and stress

Continuously monitor mental health using digital tools and follow-ups by psychologists or social workers

Identify risk factors like loneliness, death-related stress, and reduced social engagement

. Addressing the Need for Security (Mental Peace)

Reduce anxiety and promote inner peace through:

Safe psychological environments

Designing tranquil, predictable, and supportive settings in senior centers

Expand emotional support systems

Peer companion programs, family support, and support groups

Provide supportive counseling and psychotherapy

Educate families and caregivers to encourage empathetic and inclusive interactions.

. Fulfilling the Need for Individuation (Self-Realization and Meaning)

Strengthen personal identity, self-awareness, and meaningful life roles by

Holding workshops on self-awareness and life meaning

Offering opportunities for volunteering, mentoring, and storytelling

Supporting creative and cultural expressions like writing, calligraphy, painting, and crafts

Encouraging participation in interest-based groups

 Supporting the Need for Growth (Progress and Fulfillment)

Maintain a sense of growth through

Lifelong learning programs (e.g., languages, digital skills, history, arts)

Personal and group projects (e.g., gardening or small research initiatives)

Mind-body exercises that promote a sense of achievement

Platforms for goal setting and discovering hidden talents

 Strengthening Social Connections and Reducing Isolation

Establish community centers focused on group, cultural, and educational activities

Develop elderly peer-support and mutual aid programs

Educate families on maintaining strong emotional connections with seniors

 Promoting Meaningful and Recreational Activities

Implement regular cognitive games, light exercise, visual arts, and therapeutic gardening

Organize cultural outings, field trips, and group activities to boost engagement and joy

Encourage volunteerism in teaching, mentoring, or social services

 Psychological Empowerment and Training

Offer educational programs on emotional regulation, finding meaning, aging acceptance, and communication skills

Train healthcare and caregiving professionals in geriatric psychology and the specific needs of elderly populations

 Psychosocial Interventions Before Retirement

Provide psychological and vocational counseling during the pre-retirement phase

Conduct training on psychological, financial, and social readiness for post-retirement life

Promote the concept of “active retirement” via media and educational forums

 Policy and Institutional Support

Formulate national policies to include elderly mental health in broader healthcare agendas

Develop specialized psychotherapy centers for seniors with public and private funding

Offer insurance and financial support schemes to improve access to psychological and social services

Strategic Health Approaches

These programs can be organized under two strategic pillars, which together lay the foundation for psychological satisfaction and spiritual well-being in later life:

A. Enhancing Meaning and Self-Realization in Aging

Foster a sense of self-worth and existential purpose through

Opportunities for meaningful social roles (e.g., volunteering, mentoring)

Life review, self-exploration, and meaning-making workshops

Support for creative and expressive activities

Group engagement with shared interests and life histories

B. Strengthening Social Bonds and Reducing Psychological Isolation

Alleviate loneliness and anxiety through:

Senior centers for regular in-person interaction

Peer-support programs and social aid networks

Family education to enhance empathy and caregiving

Supportive psychological counseling to manage stress and emotional distress