Evaluation of the Elderly Balcony Usage in Terms of Socialization During the Covid-19 Outbreak

Abstract

Older adults have been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. They started to use the balcony as a socialization tool by rediscovering its usage purposes. The study revealed the socialization tools and habits of older adults concerning the use of balconies during the COVID-19 pandemic in two stages. In the first stage, studies including socialization activities of older individuals in their residences during COVID-19 were analyzed using Scopus, and keywords were identified. In the second stage, the word codes were determined as socialization tools searched using the Google search engine to better understand the use of the pandemic and balcony. The search was conducted on sample photographs that had been published on online news sites and had a place in the world literature. Thus, 4 socialization tools for the use of balconies and 11 new usage habits under them were identified in the new normal period of COVID-19. The study’s goal is to provide a wider perspective on the concept of the balcony not only as an extension of the residence but also as an effective and versatile space for the socialization of older adults.