Being old during the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey — a case study

Abstract

Pandemics affect millions of people and cause many deaths worldwide. Undoubtedly, the most affected vulnerable group in the epidemic has been the elderly. The elderly population is a very heterogeneous population with various combinations of geriatric syndromes, comorbidities, and disabilities. According to the WHO report, 89% of the mortality in the COVID-19 virus is seen in individuals aged 65 and over, called the elderly. For older people, the risk of transmission is higher due to the health conditions associated with aging. The weak immune system in the elderly and the advanced state of chronic diseases can cause COVID-19 disease to be experienced more severely. The social isolation measure of the elderly during the COVID-19 process has caused physiological, physical and psychological problems. At the same time, due to the social isolation measure, the routine treatment plans of the elderly were disrupted and they were deprived of the necessary treatment. The aim of this study is to address the physiological, physical and psychological problems experienced by the elderly during the pandemic process and to determine the effects of the pandemic on the elderly.