Abstract:

In this research, it is aimed to determine the current situation and needs of elderly individuals during the COVID-19 epidemic and to evaluate them in the context of social work. The sample of this study, in which quantitative research method was used, consisted of 415 elderly individuals residing in Istanbul. From the findings of the research, it was tried to obtain information about the sociodemographic information, social support status, technology use, time management methods and physical and mental health status of the elderly individuals. According to the results of the research, during the pandemic period, the majority of the elderly individuals lived with their spouses and children, had difficulties due to their income situation and did not receive support or assistance, shopping, etc. It has been seen that there is someone who meets their needs such as going out, and their needs that require going out of the house are generally met by their children, and the group that has the least contact with the elderly is the authorities. Elderly individuals stated that they can meet face-to-face with their loved ones usually once a day or less frequently, they do not have enough knowledge of mobile phone and computer use, they do not perform enough physical activity during the days they stay at home, and their most important fear is that they or their relatives will catch the disease.