Biological and Mental Health, Cognitive Competence and Productivity are Key Indicators of Successful Aging

European University of Lefke Faculty of Health Sciences Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Academician Prof. Dr. Nuray Kırdı made some statements on the occasion of “1 October International Day of Older Persons”.

Kırdı said that, “The aging phenomenon, which is more prominent in developed countries, is gaining importance in developing countries and the elderly population is increasing”, and pointed out that population aging affects all aspects of a society including health, social security, education, employment opportunities and family life. Kırdı also stated that biological and mental health, cognitive and social competence, productivity, personal control and enjoying life are key indicators of successful aging.

8 out of 10 people over 65 have at least 1 chronic disease

Kırdı said that, “Today, due to the prolongation of human life, some general diseases are seen in advanced ages. 8 out of 10 people over the age of 65 have at least 1 chronic disease,” and added that in such situations, approaches such as staying active, gaining healthy habits, getting information about the disease and going to a regular physician control are very important.

Kırdı stated that, “Active and independent life of the elderly should be encouraged with the aim of maintaining life-long health. Physical activity and exercise are important for active living. Today, in many countries’ health policies in the world, physical activity and exercise are given a great place for healthy and active life” and pointed out that the physical capacity of people decrease with aging, and this limits the functional independence of the elderly.

Physiotherapists aim to minimize deficiencies in sensory-perception and motor functions of the elderly

Kırdı said that, “According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, chronic diseases significantly limit the daily living activities of 39% of people aged 65 and older. 11,5 % of the elderly people who are between the ages of 65-79 need help with daily life activities such as moving, bathing, dressing, toileting and eating”. Kırdı underlined that physiotherapists who are among the professionals who offers service to the elderly people, aim to minimize deficiencies in sensory-perception and motor functions of the elderly and added that every physiotherapy program is designed and implemented at homes or centers according to the ages of the elderly people.

In recent years, policies and programs related to old age have focused on improving the quality of life and general health.

Kırdı touched upon the aims and strategies that are mentioned in the Turkey Healthy Aging Action Plan and Implementation Program. 2015-2020 for healthy aging and listed these aims and strategies as; Taking necessary measures to prolong the life expectancy at birth, increasing the quality of life during old age, developing healthy life behaviors among the society and elderly individuals, making necessary arrangements for the establishment of a safe and healthy environment for elderly.

Kırdı finally said that,            “The first step of the increasing society’s awareness of this issue will be inclusion of the topics covering themes such as “being healthy lifelong” and “aging” to the educational curricula of primary schools”. Kırdı also pointed out that in the recent years policies and programs related to old age have focused on improving the quality of life and overall health and emphasized the necessity of active fight against noncontagious diseases in order to stay healthy until advanced ages.