Effects of active usage of free time to biopsychosocial health assessment at elder patients

Introduction and Purpose: In our increasingly aging society, elder health is becoming more important subject of public health. Because of this; it is important to investigate factors which are affecting to be healthy of elder population. In this study; relation between actively using of idle times and health status of elder patients is evaluated by biological, psychological and social approach. Material and Methods: In this study, a face-to-face survey was conducted on the basis of volunteerism with the elder people who applied to TC Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University Atatürk Education and Research Hospital Geriatrics Department and who are older than 65 years. Results: 34 women and 37 men, in total 71 individuals participated in the study. Recreational idle time activity scores of patients whose age range of 65-70 and whose age range of 71-75 are found statistically significantly higher than patients' whose age range of 76 and older. Women's recreational idle time activity scores are found statistically significantly higher than men's. Religious idle time activity scores of patients who live in metropolitan cities are found statistically significantly lower than patients' who live in small villages or towns. Social idle time activity scores of married and single patients are found statistically significantly higher than widows'. Recreational idle time activity scores of patients who live alone are found statistically significantly higher than patients' who live with their couple or their caretaker. It is found a significant difference at intellectual and social area on the idle time activities comparison of the elder people's according to their educational level. Intellectual idle time activity scores of patients who doesn't know how to read and write are found statistically significantly lower than patients' who are graduated from high school or college. Similar to this; intellectual idle time activity scores of patients who are graduated from primary school are found statistically significantly lower than patients' who are graduated from high school or college. Social idle time activity scores of patients who doesn't know how to read and write are found statistically significantly lower than patients' who are graduated from high school or college. Similar to this; social idle time activity scores of patients who are graduated from primary school are found statistically significantly lower than patients' who are graduated from high school or college. Recreational idle time activity scores of patients who have salary are found statistically significantly lower than patients' who doesn't have salary. Social idle time activity scores of patients who meets their neighbors or friends every day are found statistically significantly higher than patients' who meets their neighbors or friends once per week or once per month. Recreational idle time activity scores of patients who have problems with sleeping are found statistically significantly lower than patients' who don't have any problem with sleep. According to life quality; it is found a significant relation between the results of the participation of social idle time activities and the sensual functions sub area. It is found a significant relation between the results of the participation of social idle time activities and the autonomy sub area. It is found a significant relation between the results of the participation of intellectual, social and recreational idle time activities and the past, today, future activities sub area. It is found a significant relation between the results of the participation of intellectual idle time activities and death and to die sub area. It is found a significant relation between the results of the participation of social idle time activities and relationship sub area. Intellectual and social idle time activity scores of patients who don't have dementia are found statistically significantly higher than patients' who have dementia. Social idle time activity scores of patients who don't have depression are found statistically significantly higher than patients' who have depression. Conclusion: Actively usage of idle time at elder population is directly and indirectly affecting patients' health and life quality biologically, psychologically and socially in a positive manner. Therefore; encouraging elder people to participate into life is important at future health politics which will be created for elder health. Keywords: Elder, Idle Time Activities, Biopsychosocial Approach, Syndromes of Geriatrics