The Persian version of the Older Adults Lifestyle Scale: A Translation and Psychometrics

Background The global increase in the elderly population necessitates reliable tools to assess lifestyle factors that influence healthy aging. Existing Western lifestyle assessment instruments often lack cultural relevance for non-Western populations, including Iran. This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the Persian version of the Older Adults Lifestyle Scale (P-OALS) to provide a contextually appropriate tool for evaluating lifestyle behaviors among Iranian older adults. Methods In a cross-sectional methodological study, 397 adults aged ≥ 60 were recruited from Babol, Iran. The P-OALS was translated using the Forward-Backward method and rigorously evaluated for psychometric properties. Face and content validity were assessed by expert review (CVI > 0.79, CVR > 0.62). Construct validity was examined through Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Reliability was tested via internal consistency (Cronbach’s α) and test-retest stability (ICC), while convergent/discriminant validity was analyzed using Composite Reliability (CR > 0.7) and Average Variance Extracted (AVE > 0.5). Results EFA revealed a robust four-factor structure—Quality of Relationships (6 items), Preventive Behaviors (5 items), Nutrition (4 items), and Physical Activity (4 items)—accounting for 55.4% of the total variance. CFA confirmed excellent model fit (CFI = 0.923, RMSEA = 0.064). The P-OALS demonstrated strong reliability (α = 0.86, ICC = 0.859) and validity, with all subscales meeting psychometric benchmarks. Conclusion The P-OALS is a valid, reliable, and culturally adapted instrument for assessing the lifestyle of Iranian older adults. Its concise format and contextual relevance make it valuable for research and clinical practice. Future studies should explore its applicability in broader populations and longitudinal settings to further establish generalizability.