Introduction: Semantic expansion and conceptualization are key factors for problem-solving and learning scientific concepts in the learners. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of reading on semantic expansion and conceptualization of the elderly men and women who are 60 years and older in Tehran.
Method: The research method is descriptive in terms of the method and is exploratory survey is terms of minor purpose. The method of sampling is based on availability, so in accordance with the purpose of the study, participants were selected. The participants were divided in 3 subgroups: The elderlies who do not study at all, those who study maximum 30 minutes a day and the elderlies who study 60 minutes and above each day. The research tool is the questioner built by the researcher. The researcher tries to measure semantic expansion and conceptualization of three groups of elderly people in the provided words that indicate concrete and abstract concepts. The groups were matched in terms of literacy level. Descriptive statistical methods such as mean, standard deviation and frequency distribution tables is used for data analysis and analysis method of one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) is also used for inferential analysis.
Results: The results show that the amount of study of elderly people has an effect on writing components and features of the concept, on the objective and abstract concepts, on the composition and the inclusion of the intended concept into other concepts and in creating a close relationship between the desired concept and other concepts as well as the presented concepts against the intended concepts.
Conclusion: Mental and physical weakness is a symptom of old age, therefore it should be delayed by changes in the life style.