Old age was handled with a multidisciplinary approach...
Üsküdar University Graduate School of Social Sciences and the Dean's Office of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences organized a panel titled "Respect for the Elderly Week-Young Look at Old Age" within the scope of the Week of the Elderly. In the panel, in which İdil Arasan Doğan, Asst. Prof. Zeynep Gümüş Demir, Asst. Prof. Nihan Kalkandeler Özdin, Asst. Prof. Remziye Keskin took part as a speaker, the phenomenon of old age was discussed with approaches from different disciplines. The place of individuals in social life and the healthy management of the aging process were evaluated in detail.
Geropsychology is important in old age!
The opening speech of the panel held in the Socrates Hall was delivered by Asst. Prof. Zeynep Gümüş Demir. Pointing out that the elderly population is increasing rapidly in Türkiye and in the world, Demir said that the rate of elderly population in Türkiye has reached 10%. Pointing out that many countries were caught unprepared for this demographic change and that the World Health Organization considers elderly care as a priority issue today, Demir emphasized the importance of the field of geropsychology in terms of active aging and elderly care.
Digitalization makes elderly individuals passive!
Then, Asst. Prof. Nihan Kalkandeler Özdin drew attention to the fact that individuals in the advanced age group can be excluded from social life. Noting that digitalization makes elderly individuals passive, Özdin said that active aging should be encouraged. He emphasized that by abandoning negative labels towards the elderly, benefiting from their life experiences will provide social benefits.
Active aging should be the primary goal!
Speaking later within the scope of the panel, Asst. Prof. Remziye Keskin stated that old age is a process that has been going on since the beginning of life. Reminding that aging is one of the main goals in human life, Keskin stated that healthy aging is possible by adapting to the signs of aging. Referring to the importance of proper nutrition and keeping stress under control against negative symptoms such as muscle diseases, Keskin emphasized that active aging should be the primary goal.
Social bonding increases psychological resilience in old age
Finally, Asst. Prof. İdil Arasan Doğan pointed out that as the dependence of elderly individuals on other people increases, their sensitivity also increases. Stating that social support systems should have an important place in the lives of elderly individuals, Doğan said that maintaining social ties will increase psychological resilience in the aging process.
At the end of the panel, Ayşe İsra and Gaye Durkaya, two of the students, shared their internship experiences in this field with the participants and shared their observations about the process.
The event ended after the questions from the participants were answered.
The panel made an important contribution to raising awareness on the issue of aging and raising awareness among younger generations.
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)