1Ph.D. student of Communication Sciences. Department of Communication Sciences, Institute of Market and Business, Isf.C; Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
2Associate Professor, Department of Communication Sciences, Institute of Market and Business, Isf.C; Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
3Associate Professor, Department of Health Education, Institute of Health, University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract
Examining the media expectations of the elderly, which stem from their needs, is essential for healthy aging. Therefore, this research attempts to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the media expectations of the elderly based on their lived experiences. In this study, a phenomenological method was used with purposive sampling. Thirty-four elderly people aged 60 to 75 years participated in semi-structured interviews in the city of Isfahan in the year 1403. Following the data collection, the Colaizzi method was employed for analysis. The validity of the data was confirmed by the techniques of variability, reliability and alignment of researchers. After extracting and classifying the data, seven main themes including "health promotion, loneliness reduction, self-disclosure, intergenerational adaptation, dignity enhancement, role-taking, and spirituality enhancement" were revealed. These themes included 16 sub-themes, including" health literacy, online healthcare services, strengthening communication, doppelganger, leisure time fulfillment, sharing concerns, Memories evoked, personality assessment, acceptance of differences, acceptance of family separation, media literacy, unbiased representation, information sharing and exchange, skill enhancement, independence, and spiritual intelligence". These sub-themes are based on 200 concepts, which were used to clarify the media expectations of the elderly. The breadth of the expectations of the elderly in this research indicates the necessity for policymaking, planning, and action by media people to direct governmental and civil organizations toward addressing those needs and assisting the elderly in achieving healthy aging
