Clinical Psychologist Eric Nanteer-Oteng has highlighted the growing role of digital technology in improving the emotional and social well-being of elderly people in Ghana.
Speaking on mental health challenges among older persons on Bullet Tv’s Morning Target with Bright Nana Amfoh, he noted that digital platforms are increasingly helping the aged remain socially connected and less isolated.
“So far we’ve seen that using digital is quite helpful and it’s a way for the older persons to connect with other people,” he said.
According to him, loneliness and social isolation remain major challenges affecting many elderly people, making communication and interaction important for their mental health.
He further stressed that ageing should not always be viewed negatively or associated only with sickness.
“Aging shouldn’t be mainly about sickness but even if the sickness comes, it’s normal due to the atrophy of cells,” he explained.
Consultant Clinical Psychologist and CEO of Equilinks, Dr. May Cullen Wulff-Caesar, also underscored the need for families and caregivers to pay attention to the emotional needs of elderly people.
She noted that some elderly persons may react aggressively due to memory loss and feelings of vulnerability.
“Sometimes the aged react aggressively because sometimes they feel like they’re being taken advantage of due to memory loss,” she stated.
Dr. Wulff-Caesar added that some behavioural changes in older people could be linked to medical conditions that require proper care and treatment.
“There are some medical conditions that make people exhibit these behaviours and that needs medical care and shouldn’t be attributed to old age,” she said.
The psychologists are encouraging families to include elderly relatives in daily activities and embrace tools that help them stay socially connected as part of efforts to improve mental health and overall well-being among Ghana’s ageing population.
CREDIT: Mavis Fantevi
