International Week of the Older Persons
Dr. Suat Günsel University of Kyrenia Hospital Anaesthetics Specialist Dr. Meltem Tabuk who stated that old age is a very special stage in life that carries different meanings for each person, gave a statement regarding the “Elderly Week’’ celebrated on the dates between the 18th – 24th of March.
Dr. Meltem Tabuk who said; “Elderly people are precious, they form a bridge between the past and future and help us carry on our culture and values to the next generation” stated that they deserve respect and she reminded that they need to become more active and independent.
Dr. Tabuk said; “People who have spent a great deal of their lives serving the nation and their country have the right to ask for honourable care for an eternity when they are older and in need of care.” stated that those who cannot obtain such care from their families and children due to different reasons are taken care of at the Dr. Suat Günsel University of Kyrenia Hospital Geriatric Clinic in the best way possible.
THE EFFECTS OF DISEASES, SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS DIFFER IN GERIATRIC PATIENTS
Dr. Suat Günsel University of Kyrenia Hospital Anaesthetics Specialist Dr. Meltem Tabuk continued to state:
“Geriatrics; is the discipline involved in the problems, diseases, social and functional quality of life for those over the age of 65, preventative medicine and the ageing of society.
Old age is not a disease. The difference between the symptoms of diseases and the physiologic changes that occur in the organ systems due to ageing must be determined. The diseases and complaints of the elderly are often neglected and they are thought to be a natural result of their age. Decrease and loss in functional capacities of geriatric patients do occur. They often face decrease and restraint of daily life activities. Diseases are often and typical. The effects of diseases, symptoms and signs differ in geriatric patients. It is a different age group regards to psychological, socio-economic, familial and community health.
THE WAY THE PHYSICIAN SEES THE PATIENT IS DIFFERENT TO HOW THE HEALTH PERSONNEL SEE THEM
There is an effort to solve problems within one center rather than under different specialism in the geriatric clinics. The way the patient and their relatives approach a disease and ask for treatment is different. The way the physician sees the patient is different to how the health personnel see them. When approaching a geriatric patient, cultural changes must also be considered. Preventative medication is very important in the treatment of geriatric patients. The aim of preventative medication for the elderly is; protecting health and organ functions and minimize loss due to chronic diseases with healthy lifestyle changes at an early age.
The term ‘fragile senior’ is commonly used. This is known as the group of geriatric patients who are under the highest risk. The risk of falling, functional dependency, hospitalisation and mortality is higher for fragile senior. The term fragile: Generally includes weight loss, weakness, slow walking speed and decreased physical activity that cause functional dependency.
IT IS IMPORTANT FOR THERE TO BE A GOOD CONNECTION BETWEEN THE DOCTOR AND THE PATIENT
Elderly patients are both full of hope and fear when they consult a doctor. On one hand they hope that the doctor will end their problems, on the other hand they fear that their situation may be helpless. If a good connection is formed between the doctor and the patient, this will reflect in the patient as they oblige to the treatment more willingly. Otherwise the patient will feel rejected.
Our aim at the geriatric clinic is to protect the functions of our elderly and provide them with a better quality of life at the upmost level of health.”