El Sanatları Alanında Çalışan 65 Yaş Üstü Bireylerin Yaşam Kalitesinin İncelenmesi: Mardin Örneği

Abstract

Bu çalışma, Türkiye’de sayıları artan 65 yaş ve üzeri bireylerin yaşam kalitesini etkileyen faktörleri kültür, sanat ve üretim bağlamında sosyal hizmet perspektifiyle incelemeyi amaçlamaktadır. Araştırma, nitel araştırma yöntemi kapsamında fenomenolojik yaklaşım ve tematik desen kullanılarak gerçekleştirilmiştir. Çalışma grubunu Mardin’de el sanatları alanında çalışan 65 yaş ve üzeri 16 birey oluşturmaktadır. Veriler yarı yapılandırılmış görüşmeler yoluyla toplanmış ve MAXQDA 2020 programından yararlanılarak betimsel analiz yöntemiyle değerlendirilmiştir. Bulgular, aktif yaşamın yaşlı bireyleri fiziksel ve ruhsal açıdan diri tutarak depresyon ve kaygıyla mücadelede önemli olduğunu göstermektedir. Sağlık sorunları ve ekonomik güçlükler yaşam kalitesini olumsuz etkileyen temel faktörler olarak belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca, dini inançların katılımcıların yaşamlarına ve üretim faaliyetlerine olumlu anlam kazandırdığı tespit edilmiştir. Katılımcıların el sanatları alanında üretim yapma nedenleri arasında kültürel mirası gelecek kuşaklara aktarmak, üretken kalmak ve toplum içinde değerli hissetmek yer almaktadır. Sonuç olarak, Mardin’in geleneksel ve çokkültürlü yapısının katılımcıların yaşam kalitesine ilişkin olumlu algılarını desteklediği görülmüştür.

Keywords

• Yaşam Kalitesi
• Yaşlıların Yaşam Kalitesi
• Aktif Yaşlanma ve Sosyal Hizmet
• El Sanatları Alanında Yaşlılar

Investigation of the Quality of Life in Elderly Aged 65 and Over Working in Handicrafts: The Case of Mardin

Abstract

This study aims to examine the factors affecting the quality of life of the growing population of individuals aged 65 and over in Türkiye within the context of culture, art, and production from a social work perspective. The study was conducted using a phenomenological approach and thematic design within the scope of qualitative research. The study group consisted of 16 individuals aged 65 and over working in the field of handicrafts in Mardin. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using descriptive analysis with the support of MAXQDA 2020 software. The findings indicate that leading an active life is important for keeping older individuals physically and mentally alert and helping them cope with depression and anxiety. Health problems and economic difficulties were identified as the main factors negatively affecting quality of life. In addition, religious beliefs were found to provide positive meaning to participants’ lives and productive activities. Participants reported engaging in handicraft production to preserve cultural heritage for future generations, remain productive, and maintain a sense of value within the community. In conclusion, Mardin’s traditional and multicultural structure was found to support participants’ positive perceptions of their quality of life.

Keywords

• Quality of Life
• Quality of Life of the Elderly
• Active Ageing and Social Work
• Elderly in Handicrafts

References

1. Akbolat, A. (2014). The relationship between quality of life and religiosity in the ageing period: Şanlıurfa province example (Master’s thesis, Necmettin Erbakan University). YÖK Thesis Center.
2. Akyol, Y., Durmuş, D., Doğan, C., Bek, Y., & Cantürk, F. (2010). Quality of life and level of depressive symptoms in the geriatric population. Turkish Journal of Rheumatology, 25(4), 165–173. http://dx.doi.org/10.5152/tjr.2010.23
3. Arun, Ö. (2018). The quest: Turkey's aging adventure. In Ö. Arun (Ed.), Overcoming aging (pp. 7–20). Phoenix.
4. Ateşoğlu, G. K., & Güz, N. (2018). The art of controlling old age. Academician Bookstore.
5. Aydıner Boylu, A., & Paçacıoğlu, B. (2016). Quality of life and indicators. Journal of Academic Research and Studies (AKAD), 8(15), 137–150.
6. Azevedo, A. L. S. de, Silva, R. A. da, Tomasi, E., & Quevedo, L. de Á. (2013). Doenças crônicas e qualidade de vida na atenção primária à saúde [Chronic diseases and quality of life in primary health care]. Cadernos de Saúde Pública, 29(9), 1774–1782. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/0102-311X00134812
7. Balcı, A. (2010). Research methods, techniques and principles in social sciences. Pegem Academy.
8. Baltacı, A. (2018). A conceptual review on sampling methods and sample volume problems in qualitative research. Bitlis Eren University Journal of Social Sciences, 7(1), 231–274.

9. Baran, A. G. (2008). Socialization and quality of life in old age. Journal of Research on Elderly Problems, 2, 86–97.
10. Baumeister, R. F. (1991). Meanings of life. Guilford Press.
11. Berg, B. L., & Lune, H. (2015). Qualitative research methods in social sciences (H. Aydın, Trans.). Pearson Publishing House.
12. Bertalanffy, L. von. (1968). General system theory: Foundations, development, applications. George Braziller.
13. Billett, S. (2011). Vocational education: Purposes, traditions and prospects. Springer.
14. Bowling, A., Gabriel, Z., Dykes, J., Dowding, L. M., Evans, O., Fleissig, A., Banister, D., & Sutton, S. (2003). Let’s ask them: A national survey of definitions of quality of life and its enhancement among people aged 65 and over. The International Journal of Aging and Human Development, 56(4), 269–306. http://dx.doi.org/10.2190/BF8G-5J8L-YTRF-6404
15. Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. http://dx.doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
16. Bronfenbrenner, U. (1979). The ecology of human development: Experiments by nature and design. Harvard University.
17. Burger, J. M. (2006). Personality. Kaknüs.
18. Cheung, K. C.-K., & Chou, K.-L. (2019). Poverty, deprivation and life satisfaction among Hong Kong older persons. Ageing & Society, 39(4), 703–721. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0144686X17001143
19. Chiao, C., Weng, L.-J., & Botticello, A. L. (2011). Social participation reduces depressive symptoms among older adults: An 18-year longitudinal analysis in Taiwan. BMC Public Health, 11, Article 292. http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-11-292
20. Creswell, J. W., & Miller, D. L. (2000). Determining validity in qualitative inquiry. Theory Into Practice, 39(3), 124–130. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15430421tip3903_2
21. Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The psychology of optimal experience. Harper & Row.
22. Çalışkan, N., & Hisar, F. (2024). Determination of life satisfaction levels of elderly individuals living in rural areas. Health and Society, 34(2), 98–107.
23. Çiçek, B., Şahin, H., & Erkal, S. (2021). Yaşlıların aktif yaşlanma tecrübeleri: Nitel bir çalışma. OPUS International Journal of Society Researches, 17(33), 369–397. http://dx.doi.org/10.26466/opus.773745
24. Danış, M. Z. (2016). Active aging–1. In M. Z. Danış (Ed.), Gerontological social work. Atatürk University Open Education Faculty Publications.
25. Danış, M. Z., & Efe, F. (2016). Active ageing. In V. Kalınkara (Ed.), Aging: Interdisciplinary approach, problems, solutions 2 (pp. 263–292). Nobel Academic Publishing.
26. Diener, E., Emmons, R. A., Larsen, R. J., & Griffin, S. (1985). The Satisfaction With Life Scale. Journal of Personality Assessment, 49(1), 71–75. http://dx.doi.org/10.1207/s15327752jpa4901_13
27. Erdoğan, Z., Kayabaşı, N., Tağı, S. Ö., Söylemezoğlu, F., Tezel, Z., & Şanlı, H. S. (2016). Active ageing. In V. Kalınkara (Ed.), Aging: Interdisciplinary approach, problems, solutions (pp. 325–344). Nobel Publications.
28. Erikson, E. H. (1963). Childhood and society (2nd ed.). W. W. Norton & Company.
29. Farquhar, M. (1995). Elderly people's definitions of quality of life. Social Science & Medicine, 41(10), 1439–1446. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0277-9536(95)00117-P
30. Frankl, V. E. (1963). Man's search for meaning. Beacon.
31. Germain, C. B., & Gitterman, A. (1996). The life model of social work practice: Advances in theory and practice. Columbia University.
32. Güç, A. (2018). Permeable borders: Virtual kinship ties between ethnic-religious groups in Mardin. Journal of Academic Studies, 13(2), 237–264.
33. Huisman, M., Kunst, A. E., & Mackenbach, J. P. (2003). Socioeconomic inequalities in morbidity among the elderly: A European overview. Social Science & Medicine, 57(5), 861–873. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0277-9536(02)00454-9 International Federation of Social Workers. (2014). Global definition of social work. https://www.ifsw.org/what-is-social-work/global-definition-of-social-work/
34. Kaimal, G., Ray, K., & Muniz, J. (2016). Reduction of cortisol levels and participants' responses following art making. Art Therapy, 33(2), 74–80. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07421656.2016.1166832
35. Kalınkara, V. (2011). Basic gerontology: Science of aging. Nobel.
36. Kalınkara, V. (2016). Aging: Interdisciplinary approach, problems, solutions. Nobel.
37. Karatay, G., & Akkuş, Y. (2011). The effectiveness of a stimulation program on cognitive capacity among individuals older than 60. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 33(1), 26–44.
38. Keleşoğlu, F., & Yıldız, R. (2021). Multiculturalism debates in the dilemma of risk and opportunity. Academic Sensitivities, 17, 29–49.
39. Koenig, H. G., McCullough, M. E., & Larson, D. B. (2001). Handbook of religion and health. Oxford University.
40. Krause, N. (2003). Religious meaning and subjective well-being in late life. The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, 58(3), S160–S170. https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/58.3.S160
41. Kruse, A., & Schmitt, E. (2017). Gerontology; Scope, interdisciplinary collaboration, economics and politics. In İ. Tufan & M. Durak (Eds.), Gerontology (pp. 619–636).
42. Lautar, J. C. (2015). Quality of life indicators and their impact on social work practice. Egyptian Journal of Social Work, 1, 19–30.
43. Li, H., Lin, M., Zhang, W., Li, J., & Zou, J. (2015). Relationship between quality of life and disability level in patients with occupational disease. Zhonghua Lao Dong Wei Sheng Zhi Ye Bing Za Zhi, 33(10), 735–738.
44. Lum, D. (2007). Culturally competent practice: A framework for understanding diverse groups and justice issues. Thomson Brooks/Cole.
45. Marmot, M. (2005). The status syndrome: How social standing affects our health and longevity. Times Books.
46. Nelson, M. E., Rejeski, W. J., Blair, S. N., Duncan, P. W., Judge, J. O., King, A. C., Macera, C. A., & Castaneda-Sceppa, C. (2007). Physical activity and public health in older adults: Recommendation from the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 39(8), 1435–1445. http://dx.doi.org/10.1249/mss.0b013e3180616aa2
47. OECD. (2011). How’s life? Measuring well-being. OECD Publishing.
48. Özkan, Y., & Kılıç, E. (2014). The importance of ecological approach in school social work practices. In V. Işıkhan (Ed.), Social work and working with society (pp. 74–81). Social Work Research, Practice and Development Association.
49. Öztürk, S. M., & Halaç, H. H. (2020). Spatial belonging in the historic environment: The case of Yörük Village. In 2nd International Ankara Conference on Scientific Research (pp. 98–99). IKSAD.
50. Özyurt, B. C., Eser, E., Çoban, G., Akdemir, S., Karaca, & Karakoç, Ö. (2007). Evaluation of the factors affecting the quality of life of the elderly in Manisa Muradiye region. Turkish Journal of Geriatrics, 10(3), 117–123.
51. Park, S., Choi, B., Choi, C., Kang, J. M., & Lee, J. Y. (2019). Relationship between education, leisure activities, and cognitive functions in older adults. Aging & Mental Health, 23(12), 1651–1660. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2018.1512083
52. Patton, M. Q. (1990). Qualitative evaluation and research methods. Sage.
53. Phillipson, C. (2013). Ageing. Polity.
54. Sen, A. (1999). Development as freedom. Oxford University.
55. Sennett, R. (2008). The craftsman. Yale University.
56. Smith, L. (2006). Uses of heritage. Routledge.
57. Stephenson, R. C. (2006). Promoting self-expression through art therapy. Generations: Journal of the American Society on Aging, 30(1), 24–26.
58. Stuckey, H. L., & Nobel, J. (2010). The connection between art, healing, and public health: A review of current literature. American Journal of Public Health, 100(2), 254–263. http://dx.doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2008.156497
59. Şentürk, Ü. (2018). Sociology of old age: Social trajectories of aging. Dora Publishing House.
60. Throsby, D. (2001). Economics and culture. Cambridge University.
61. Tozlu, N. (2005). Education, democracy, society. In A. Solak (Ed.), Sociology and education in the 21st century: Globalization and society (pp. 131–166). Hegem.
62. Tufan, İ. (2016). Old age and aging from antiquity to the present. Nobel.
63. Tuna, F. (2018). Investigation of quality of life, hopelessness and self-esteem in adults engaged in artistic activities (Master’s thesis, Istanbul Gelişim University).
64. Turkish Geriatrics Society. (2022). Ageing in Türkiye and major health issues: Current status and recommendations. https://www.geriatri.org.tr/pdf/turkiyede-yaslilik-raporu-Ekim-2022.pdf
65. Turkish Statistical Institute. (2025). Statistics on Older Persons, 2024 (No. 54079). https://data.tuik.gov.tr/Bulten/Index?p=Istatistiklerle-Yaslilar-2024-54079
66. UNESCO. (2003). Convention for the safeguarding of the intangible cultural heritage. https://ich.unesco.org/en/what-is-intangible-heritage-00003
67. United Nations Development Programme, & UNESCO. (2013). Creative economy report 2013 special edition: Widening local development pathways. United Nations Development Programme. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000223524
68. United Nations Population Fund. (2024). World population dashboard: Türkiye. https://www.unfpa.org/data/world-population/TR
69. United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division. (2022). World population prospects 2022: Summary of results (UN DESA/POP/2022/TR/NO. 3). https://www.un.org/development/desa/pd/content/World-Population-Prospects-2022
70. Ülgen, S. Y. (2012). Examination of the factors affecting social participation in the elderly living at home (Doctoral dissertation, Pamukkale University). YÖK Thesis Center.
71. Walker, A. (2005). A European perspective on quality of life in old age. European Journal of Ageing, 2(1), 2–12. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10433-005-0500-0
72. WHOQOL Group. (1998). Development of the World Health Organization WHOQOL-BREF quality of life assessment. Psychological Medicine, 28(3), 551–558. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0033291798006667
73. World Health Organization. (1997). Whoqol: Measuring quality of life. https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/63482
74. World Health Organization. (2002). Active ageing: A policy framework. https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/67215
75. World Health Organization. (2010). Global recommendations on physical activity for health. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241599979
76. World Health Organization. (2015). World report on ageing and health. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241565042
77. World Health Organization. (2023). Progress report on the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing, 2021–2023. https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/374713
78. Yağcıoğlu, R. (2012). Healthy aging and social services. The Journal of Turkish Family Physician, 3(1).
79. Yeşilmen, N. (2017). Handicrafts and craftsmen living in Mardin bazaars. In E. Yeşilbaş (Ed.), Mardin bazaars and handicrafts (pp. 40–55). Mardin Artuklu University.
80. Yılmaz, F., Çelik, C., & Numanoglu Tekin, R. (2014). Investigating the effects of poverty on health and quality of life in poor people aged 65 and over in Etimesgut district. Turkish Journal of Geriatrics, 17(4), 397–403.
81. Yılmaz, M., Uyanık, G., Ağartıoğlu Kundakçı, G., Subaşı Baybuğa, M., Altay, B., Cingil, D., Bakan, A. B., Aktaş, B., Çapık, C., Erol, S., Pehlivan, Ş., & Fidan, G. (2023). Social participation of older adults in rural and urban areas: A cross-sectional survey in Turkey. Journal of Aging & Social Policy, 26, 1–18.