Üsküdar University NP Feneryolu Medical Center Psychiatry Specialist Asst. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Barış Önen Ünsalver talked about the psychology of elderly individuals and how to approach them during the new quarantine period.
Will I die, will I become disabled, will no one take care of me, or will I be a burden on my children and grandchildren? These are some of the questions frequently asked by people over the age of 65 who have been restricted as part of pandemic measures. Experts point out that the level of anxiety in elderly individuals increases with pandemic measures, and emphasize that the most important approach in this period is to make elderly individuals feel that they are not alone, and that it is important to contact them every day, even by phone, and meet their needs.
Üsküdar University NP Feneryolu Medical Center Psychiatry Specialist Asst. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Barış Önen Ünsalver talked about the psychology of elderly individuals and how to approach them during the new quarantine period.
They need to be protected against the virus
Stating that the process is being watched in anxiety as a society and the world, Dr. Barış Önen Ünsalver said, "We are trying to cope with the coronavirus problem, which has been on the agenda of our country in the last 15-20 days and the world for longer than that. The point where the anxiety is most focused is our citizens over a certain age. There are elderly individuals in the group where the news of deaths are related or the disease progresses more severely. Therefore, we need to protect especially elderly people against the virus."
Restriction will be beneficial in terms of protection
Stating that the level of anxiety has increased in the majority of elderly individuals with the request for people over the age of 65 to be in their homes within the scope of the recent quarantine decision, Ünsalver said, "Similarly, not only elderly individuals but also their relatives, children and relatives are concerned about the elderly population. Because young people can be carriers of the virus and can transmit it to older individuals. It is of great importance to ensure that elderly people stay at home and avoid contact with young people and people who may carry the virus as much as possible. This restriction practice will be beneficial in terms of protecting older individuals."
They should be made to feel that they are not alone
Prof. Dr. Barış Önen Ünsalver said, 'Elderly people have been experiencing high anxiety since they were told that they should stay at home' and continued his words as follows:
"We can talk about concerns such as 'Will I die, will I become disabled, will no one take care of me or will I be a burden to my children and grandchildren? First of all, it is necessary to reduce the anxiety of elderly people by providing their needs by acting quickly without leaving them alone or asking them. It is useful to talk on the phone a lot and hear their voices several times a day. Many elderly people can use devices such as television, smartphones and tablets. Various TV series, movies, documentaries can be downloaded for them to watch. Some may have vision problems, and for them, audiobook applications or recordings such as radio theater can be used. The important thing is not to leave them alone. The elderly person will stay at home, but we need to remind them of our presence by phone or in some way. Because loneliness in the elderly can lead to memory problems and sleep disorders. It is useful to remind them that they are not a burden in this process and how important they are.
Listen to as little virus news as possible
Dr. Barış Önen Ünsalver, who recommends that the elderly take good care of themselves, drink plenty of water and pay attention to their sleep patterns, as well as use their medications regularly if they have conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, said, "I also recommend that they listen to as little news about the virus as possible because the data in the news can increase anxiety and fear more. They can look at old albums and photographs, they can do activities such as moving a lot, organizing and placing things in order not to increase the limitation of movement in the house. They should continue to take care of their health during this period in the same way as they have always taken care of their health. The coronavirus process will end after a while and older individuals will re-enter social life."
