Determining the Psychosocial Needs of ElderlyPeople Living in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

Abstract

Background:The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (T.R.N.C.) is an island country that has experienced war due to its geographical location, and which has had a tragic recent history. It is believed that those who are currently elderly mayface many psychosocial problems as individuals who have experiencing this historical process.Identifying these psychosocial problems will help to planpsychiatric services for these individuals. Methods: The data was collected through focus group interviews, which are a qualitative research method. 20 elderly people aged 65 and above living in Northern Cyprus were interviewed on a voluntary basis. Therewere 6-8 people in each focus group. A questionnaire developed by the researchers was utilised during the interviews. Results:After the focus group interview, we divided the results into four categories (psychological, spiritual, physical and socialneeds) and 12 sub-themes:thepsychological categorycontainedlosses and emotional loneliness, risk of depression and adaptation to being elderly; thespiritual categorycontained anxiety aboutdeath, and beliefs, values and culture; thesocial category containedchange in roles, change in expectations, family problems and loneliness, and the physical category containedphysical impairment due to elderliness and illnesses. Conclusion:When comprehensive and realistic information is collected regarding the psychosocial needs and problems of elderly individuals, problems that are currently tending to increase, and the expectations of elderly people are properly understood, it is possible to develop new practical models that contribute to the enhancement of services for the elderly.