Support should be provided to the elderly during the Covid-19 pandemic process

Cyprus International University (CIU) Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Psychology, Academic Staff, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Füsun Gökkaya stated that elderly people over the age of 65 have faced many difficulties due to the Covid-19 epidemic, and that due to the risk of contamination some of the elderly citizens are unable to travel outside or be in crowded environments and thus have difficulties meeting their needs.

Gökkaya stated that the elderly population in the world is quite high and noted that while some of the elderly population resides with their family members, some of them live alone and therefore face difficulties in this process.

Reminding that social isolation is recommended as a strategy in coping with the epidemic, Gökkaya went on to state, “However, closing into the home causes isolation from social life and dwelling with a small group at home has older individuals facing loneliness with this obligation.”

Gökkaya also indicated that the fear of being alone at home or dying alone has profound effects on elderly individuals and that this situation impacts upon their psychology.

Drawing attention to the news followed by the elderly who are especially living alone at home in relation to the Covid-19 cases and related deaths, Clinical Psychologist Gökkaya emphasized that these elderly people think that they are closer to death and that this situation causes an increase in their anxiety levels.

Saying that the elderly should be supported in economic terms, with their health and care needs met during the pandemic period, Gökkaya went on to state, "during the period of the epidemic, their health and care needs should be met at their homes, upon the condition that the necessary measures are taken to protect the elderly from the virus.

Also suggesting that a social support group for the elderly should be established, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gökkaya concluded, "in this way, the needs of the elderly who cannot leave their homes can be learned and therefore met through the designated support lines".