Üsküdar University Vocational School of Health Services (SHMYO) Elderly Care Program Lecturer Büşra Kul attended a seminar organized by Fatih Municipality within the scope of March 18-24 Respect for the Elderly Week. In the seminar titled 'Protecting Health in Old Age,' Kul met with participants and comprehensively discussed age-related health problems, the importance of regular physical activity, psychological well-being, and the effects of social participation on elderly individuals.
Lecturer Gamze Uğur and Research Assistant Kimya Kılıçaslan also participated in the seminar held at Fatih Municipality Yadigar Kahve.
Physical activities improve quality of life!
Kul emphasized that maintaining health in old age is very important and stated that physical activity plays a critical role in health. Lecturer Büşra Kul said; “The old age period is a critical process for individuals to maintain and improve their health conditions and to continue their daily lives as independently as possible. During this period, regular and properly performed physical activities and exercises make significant contributions to the preservation of both physical and mental health. Physical activity and exercise programs for the elderly aim to reduce the risk of chronic diseases while also improving the quality of life.”
In this context, Lecturer Büşra Kul suggested different types of exercises that would contribute to elderly health, such as aerobic exercises to reduce mental decline, flexibility and balance exercises to reduce the risk of falls, and household chores and gardening for mental health.
Healthy aging is not just physical health…
The presentation also emphasized that alongside physical health, mental and social health are important for healthy aging. It was also stated that an active life is possible with different activities, thus increasing the quality of life.
Sleep quality is very important for elderly health!
Kul mentioned that for elderly individuals, going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, avoiding daytime naps, and staying away from heavy meals before sleep are important for a healthy sleep pattern; “Sleep is one of the most important processes for physical and mental rejuvenation. Problems such as sleeplessness, insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome observed in elderly individuals can negatively affect both psychological and cognitive health. Therefore, sleep hygiene, arrangement of the sleep environment, and planning of sleep hours are very important.”
Falls can be reduced with proper precautions
Finally, Kul pointed out that falls in the elderly can be prevented; “Falls are serious incidents that reduce the quality of life for elderly individuals and leave negative physical and psychological effects. However, they can be largely prevented with simple environmental precautions and appropriate exercise programs. Conscious action is required in many areas, from home lighting to non-slip mats and the use of canes.”
The seminar ended with a photo session.