Elderly people in hospital: lonely, stressed and helpless [WYNIKI BADANIA]

A study into the wellbeing of older people in hospitals was conducted by the Dr Clown Foundation.

Hospitalization of people over 60 years of age is associated with a specific mental burden and stress for them, a in more than 60 percent of elderly patients, including with a feeling of helplessness, fear and loneliness.

As the Foundation writes, ensuring the well-being of older people in healthcare facilities is particularly important due to the ageing of Polish society. People aged 60 and over already make up ¼ of Polish society. By 2060, this will be almost 40%. This is due to the ageing of the next baby boom generations, but also to the general improvement in the health of societies and the ever-expanding possibilities of medicine.

Simultaneously, elderly people make up a significant percentage of patients in Polish hospitals – according to the Central Statistical Office, based on data from the National Health Fund, the reimbursement of hospital treatment costs for people over 60 years of age accounts for more than 55% of the total reimbursement of these services. Compared to other EU countries, elderly Poles do not rate their health very highly – less than 20% define it as good or very good, while across the EU this percentage is almost 42%. More than half of Polish seniors also admit that their ability to carry out daily activities is limited. (in the EU, slightly less – less than 49 percent)

Hospitalization is stressful regardless of age, but for the elderly it is a particularly difficult situation, taking them out of their daily routine and increasing the mental burden, which can lead to depression and, paradoxically, to the deterioration of their health. According to available studies, hospitalizations occur in more than 60% of older patients, and can cause negative emotions such as feelings of helplessness, anxiety, boredom, loneliness, anger and sadness. Only 14 percent of the elderly surveyed received support in the hospital in the form of conversation and listening, and 9 percent received help in managing anxiety and stress.

Another problem related to the elderly’s stay in hospital is the need for total dependence on others and the lack of information – only 19 percent of respondents received explanations from nurses about the activities carried out around them, and 16 percent an explanation about what the planned diagnostic test is.