Introduction: Increase in the rate of elderly population in developing countries can cause emotional, social and health problems. Awareness of real needs in this group can assist policymakers in implementing effective interventions. This study has been proposed to assess the needs among elderly people in Ekbatan and design interventional programs according to community participatory method to promote health among the elderly.

Methods: Using a descriptive research, 100 old men and 100 old women were selected by random sampling. Instrument used in this study was questionnaire and then according to the results of data analysis of need assessment questionnaire, interventional programs were designed.

Results: In Ekbatan, 89% of old people are educated. Based on their opinions, 92% of women and 70% of men suffer from at least one disease and receive treatment. Different diseases such as hypertension, arthritis and diabetes mellitus were more common in women. Psychologically, 70% of old people were satisfied with their lives, 30% expressed that their lives were meaningless, 66.5 % were worried about some bad event in the future. More than 90% of them had enough free time which was spent on watching TV in 97%. 67% said they did exercises. 88% - 98% of them used all five major food groups, 82% used red meat and 77% ate sweets.

Conclusion: According to the results of the need assessment, appropriate interventions are needed to be planned in four fields as follows: Common diseases and their preventive methods, mental health, physical activities/leisure, and healthy nutrition.

Hakim Research Journal 2007 9(4): 1- 6.