Social Quality for Aged People in Iran: Towards Developing Theoretical Scale

Abstract

After introducing new approach in social policy, there is a need to conduct operational definition and indicators which will measure the social quality of the aged. This measurement and scale would be vital only if there is a 3.2% increase in the population of the elderly in Iranian community in comparison with 1.2% increase of total population. The social quality approach as a theoretical framework with its domains and sub domains are the main source for conducting this scale. Recent works by EFSQ is also a reference. First of all, the SQSA (social quality scale for aged) was conducted and developed as well with four domains in 97 items. Two items is extra than EFSQ’s items for domains of SQA. This scale was adjusted and related into Iranian community. Also, it could be generalize to other similar community in developing countries. Next step towards developing SQSA is the evaluation and measure of its validity and reliability in a survey and communal context. This action is necessary for the decision makers, social politicians and practitioners who are looking for operational scale to measure the quality of life for the aged.

Key words: Aged Community; Iran; Developing Scale; Social Quality Approach