Emphasizing that although it cannot replace one-to-one communication, today technology has taken a strong and permanent place in life as a part of active aging. Şinasi Can (Kadıköy) Hospital Internal Medicine, Geriatrics Specialist Prof. Dr. Berrin Karadağ states that being in technology, especially during the two-year pandemic period, provides great benefits to the elderly in terms of mental and physical health.
prof. Dr. Berrin Karadağ, in his statement within the scope of the 18-24 March National Week for the Elderly, explained the 4 important benefits of technology to the elderly, and made important warnings and suggestions.
HAPPINESS
As the age progresses, the number of people with whom the person’s social environment, work environment, peers, friends, etc. with whom they share their life decreases. The mental state caused by social isolation causes worsening of health problems and a significant decrease in quality of life. However, technology can contribute to the happiness of the elderly who are healthy or have health problems. Meeting with their loved ones, family and grandchildren via social media and sharing their daily activities are of great benefit, especially during the last 2 years of pandemic. We see that the increase in video call programs, mobile phones and internet use makes the elderly person happy, increases their communication and positively affects their social interaction.
HEALTH
Medical technology is taking very important steps in this regard. Thanks to the electronic communication systems established between doctors, nurses and other health personnel, as healthcare professionals, with their patients, they can be directed to important issues, especially elderly patients, even from a distance, and this situation also provides benefits especially for individuals with mobility limitations. Monitoring and evaluation of the elderly person in their natural environment using technology; It is thought that it may also be useful in reducing frequent hospital admissions and in controlling the stress that may occur due to waiting in line at the hospital, transportation, and the hospital environment.
DAILY LIFE
Especially the internet and social media make a significant contribution as a means of socialization for the elderly. In this way, while the elderly do not lag behind in following events and world news about society and the environment, they can also feel that they are actively involved in society and communities. Again, thanks to digital technology, they can easily do many things in many areas such as money transfers, bill payments and cultural activities.
TRUST YOURSELF
With aging, introversion, withdrawal from every job, uselessness, alienation from social life and innovations, and loss of self-confidence can occur as a result of these. As physical performance declines with age, older individuals get their jobs done by request from their younger children or acquaintances. The self-confidence of the elderly, who do not stay away from the rapid development in technology, increases. The design of attractive and useful products for the elderly and the more effective use of technological options improve the quality of life of the elderly and contribute to their social adaptation.