The impact of problems on the quality of life of the aging process: The case of Elazığ

Aging is a multi-faceted and complex process that is containing many changes and problems. Due to having many different features and changes, old age has not a single general definition and is defined in different ways. Spending a quality of life in the aging process is a very important factor for the elderly. This study aims to address how the problems faced by the elderly in the aging process left a mark on their quality of life. In this context, by analyzing the emerging issues in the aging process and the parameters of quality of life, it has been demonstrated that in what ways and to what extent those issues affects the quality of life and life satisfaction levels of elderly people. This study that aims to reveal the level of the quality of life of elderly individuals in relation to the problems experienced in the aging process was conducted with a questionnaire consisting of 61 questions applied to 50 elderly in the province of Elazığ. In the result of the research it has been appeared through the responses given and our observations that the elderly people are not at the desired level in terms of financial status, health status, social status and emotional state. It also has been detected that the elders are not satisfied with aging process and tend to define it in such negative terms as illness, dependency, parasite, etc. It has been found that elderly people who perceives the process negatively and are not satisfied with it due to the problems they experience with it have a negative period in terms of quality of life. Keywords: Ageing, Elderliness, Aging issues, Quality of Life