Public Awareness of Geriatrics in the 50th Year of Geriatrics in Turkey

Abstract

Geriatrics focuses on health care of the elderly. Geriatrics has a history of about 50 years in Turkey. In order to increase the quality and quantity of geriatric services, geriatric awareness needs to be increased. This is possible only when the government, health workers and the community work together. We decided to do this study to determine the level of public awareness of geriatrics among elderly population in Turkey. Materials and Methods: Between January 2018 and March 2019, we reached a total of 314 people over 60 years of age living in eight different districts of Ankara. It was questioned whether the patients knew geriatrics, and if they knew and truly described geriatrics, and they were asked how they had learned. Patients who knew geriatrics were asked whether they applied to any of the centers with a geriatrician in Ankara. Results: Only 2.88% of the study population had geriatrics awareness. In general, participants with geriatrics awareness were found to be older in age, having higher mental scores and having less children. Conclusion: In our country, the level of awareness of geriatrics is very low in its 50 th year.

Knowledge and Attitude of Pharmacy Students Regarding Geriatric Care: Questionnaire-Based Analysis in Malaysia

“… 38 When the health personnel feel that the older adult patient has well advanced in illness and would probably die, they would have a relaxed approach towards their treatment. 39 Therefore, geriatric care and education must be prioritised to reduce the incidents of older adults being taken advantage of without any accountability. Instead of withholding resources in treatment and giving way to the older adult to fight for their wellbeing with limited resources, the attitude of the healthcare personnel should be channelled towards a more thoughtful approach.…”