| خلاصه مقاله | Background and aim: Globally, the number and proportion of people aged 60 years and older is
growing fast. As people age, health needs become more complex, and the health system’s
responsiveness to older people’s needs requires evidence-informed policies. Hence, this study
explores the factors affecting the health policy development process for older people in Iran.
Material and methods: An exploratory qualitative approach was used for this study to achieve a more
precise and comprehensive insight and understanding of participants’ experiences. Data were
collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews between 2019 and 2020. We conducted 32
interviews with people aged 60 years and older and 21 interviews with key informants involved in
policy making related to older people. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The
trustworthiness of the study was established by ensuring credibility, dependability, confirmability,
transferability, and authenticity.
Results: Thematic analysis of the interview data identified five main themes and thirteen sub-themes
related to factors influencing health and social care policymaking for older adults in Iran. The five
main themes were: actors and stakeholders, health policy structure and process, healthcare service
delivery system, government financial support, and community and culture building.
Conclusion: Success in effective policy making for older people and its proper implementation
requires a change in stakeholders’ participation, policy structure, implementation processes, service
delivery capacities, and attention to the vital areas of Iranian society. Government policies and health
priority interventions are needed to address these influential factors for older people to ensure
healthy aging over the life course. |