Changing communication practices of individuals over 65 with thepandemic period (Sakarya province example)

According to the World Health Organization data, individuals aged 65 and over are defined as elderly. Individuals aged 65 and over need to hold on to social life, that is, to maintain their communication processes in a stable manner and to continue intergenerational data flow. The need for active socialization and socialization is increasing in elderly individuals, and the sustainability of social life is of vital importance. It carries the risk of disruption of social life, social isolation, and physical and mental problems in elderly individuals. Today, it is known that social isolation has increased with the curfews during the Covid-19 pandemic. This research aims to determine the communication transformation, social isolation, technological communication dimensions and the evolution of technology adaptation processes experienced by individuals over the age of 65 with the curfews. Accordingly, the population of the study consists of individuals aged 65 and over residing in Sakarya. In this thesis study, in which qualitative research method was used, semi-structured question form and focus group interview were conducted, and the content of the findings obtained from the answers given was analyzed by descriptive analysis method. In this context, it is seen that elderly individuals are not physically affected by the curfews in the context of Covid-19 measures, but they are affected socio-psychologically. As a result of the curfew brought by the pandemic, it has been determined that the elderly feel the most emotional loneliness, lack, longing and restricted feeling. It has been determined that the Covid-19 pandemic reduces face-to-face communication, which is the basic form of communication of individuals aged 65 and over, and directs them to telephone or virtual communication. Again, in this process, it has been observed that there has been an increase in the use of traditional and social media by elderly individuals.