The “National Symposium on Sustainable Healthy Aging IV,” held at Near East University, addressing the topic of healthy aging. Members of the Elderly Rights and Mental Health Association, aged 85, 86, and 87, spoke at the symposium, inspiring participants with life lessons such as “never giving up,” “continuing to produce,” and “thinking positively.”
All aspects of healthy and sustainable aging were discussed at the “National Symposium on Sustainable Healthy Aging IV,” held at the İrfan Günsel Congress Center of Near East University, which ranks among the top 500 universities in the world. In addition to scientific presentations by academics, the life experiences and advice shared by the elderly participants added a different perspective to the event. The symposium, organized in collaboration between the Near East University Faculty of Nursing and the Association for Elderly Rights and Mental Health and held under the theme “Our Elderly Speak,” highlighted that the secret to a long and productive life lies in perseverance, hard work, positive thinking, and continuous learning.
The symposium, which brought together expert academics, health professionals, and participants interested in the subject, opened with speeches by Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, Dean of the Faculty of Nursing Prof. Dr. Ümran Dal Yılmaz, and President of the Association for Elderly Rights and Mental Health Prof. Dr. Hatice Jenkins.
The symposium, which consisted of three sessions and a discussion platform, began with a presentation by Prof. Dr. Murat Özgören titled “Climate Change and its Effects on Elderly Health”, evaluating the impact of environmental changes on the health of elderly individuals. Following this, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ezgi Bağrıaçık discussed the role of gut microbiota in the healthy aging process in her presentation titled “Microbiota and Healthy Aging”. In the second session of the symposium, Prof. Dr. Mehtap Tınazlı presented on “Physical Changes in Aging,” while Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hazel Şahin Tarım assessed the social and psychological processes of elderly individuals with her presentation titled “Psychosocial Changes in the Elderly.” In the final presentation of the session, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gülcem Sala Razı addressed the topic of “End-of-Life Period.” The third and final part of the program was held in a discussion format. In the discussion titled “Our Elderly on the Island Speak”, speakers Emine Hür, Fatma Yorgancı, and Altekin Alpal from the Association for Elderly Rights and Mental Health shared their life experiences and views on old age with the participants, adding a different perspective to the symposium.
Science and experience together!
Speaking at the event, 87-year-old Altekin Alpal, a member of the Association for Elderly Rights and Mental Health, emphasized that the foundation of success throughout his life has been desire, motivation, hard work, and never giving up. Alpal, who explained that he started his life selling pastries, said, “There are no easy jobs. If a person truly wants something and makes an effort, they will achieve their goals. I have come to where I am today thanks to this determination and hard work.”, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and continuous effort.
Fatma Yorgancı, 86 years old, who stated that she worked as the first X-ray technician in the TRNC, said that she served in the health sector for many years. “I worked for 35 years, I retired, but I have continued to produce. One should never say ‘I’m old’.” said Yorgancı, and stated that healthy eating, positive thinking, faith, and an active life are the basic requirements for healthy aging. Emine Hür, 85 years old, a retired nurse, also stated that she studied at Victoria Girls’ High School, has a collection of nearly three thousand folk poems, and plans to publish her book soon. Hür said that learning and producing continues throughout life.
Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ: “We have come together to listen to the voices of our elders who guide our society.”
Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ began his speech by saying, “Today, we have gathered here not only to discuss the phenomenon of aging, but also to listen to the voices of our elders who guide our society with their life experience, knowledge, and wisdom.” Stating that Near East University continues its work with an understanding that combines education, research, and social benefit, Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ said, “Since its establishment, the Near East University campus has not only been a space for students and academics, but also a living space that lives, shares, and produces within the community.”
Recalling the recent signing of a joint declaration of intent between Kyrenia University and the Ministry of Family and Social Services of the Republic of Turkey for the “60+ Refreshment University Project” aimed at supporting active and healthy aging of elderly individuals, Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ said, “As Near East University, I would like to specifically emphasize that we stand behind this project with all our academic expertise, infrastructure, and resources.” He then reminded attendees that they had also recently signed a comprehensive cooperation protocol with the Association for Elderly Rights and Mental Health, emphasizing that the symposium was an important step in this collaboration. He added, “I believe this symposium will create a shared awareness and sense of responsibility regarding healthy aging.”
Prof. Dr. Ümran Dal Yılmaz: “Ensuring that elderly individuals live healthy, safe, and dignified lives is our shared responsibility.”
In her opening speech at the symposium, Prof. Dr. Ümran Dal Yılmaz, Dean of the Faculty of Nursing at Near East University, highlighted the importance of addressing elderly health and the aging process from multiple perspectives. Prof. Dr. Yılmaz stated that elderly health is not limited to treating diseases alone, but also includes important dimensions such as supporting healthy aging, managing chronic diseases, maintaining functional independence, and sustaining mental and social well-being. She added, “The issue of elderly health has become a significant field requiring the collaboration of many disciplines, from physicians and nurses to social workers and psychologists.” Emphasizing that elderly individuals are not only individuals who need protection, but also valuable guides for society with their knowledge and life experiences, Prof. Dr. Yılmaz said, “Ensuring they lead healthy, safe, and dignified lives is the shared responsibility of health systems and society.”
Prof. Dr. Yılmaz expressed that the scientific presentations at the symposium will contribute to the development of new approaches that will improve the quality of life for elderly individuals, adding, “It will also contribute to a greater understanding of the concept of healthy aging in society and to increased awareness regarding the ability of elderly individuals to lead active, productive, and dignified lives.”
Prof. Dr. Hatice Jenkins: “It’s not just about living a long life.”
Stating that healthy and sustainable aging is of great importance to society today, as it is worldwide, Prof. Dr. Hatice Jenkins, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Association for Elderly Rights and Mental Health, said that such scientific events play a valuable role in raising awareness. Prof. Dr. Jenkins said, “Aging is a natural and inevitable process of life. However, what is important is not only living a long life. It is being able to lead a productive, dignified, healthy life with protected rights.”
Referring to the importance of the phrase “Our Elderly Speak” in the title of the symposium, Prof. Dr. Jenkins said, “We often talk about them, but we don’t listen to them enough. Yet, the experiences they have accumulated and the collective memory are extremely valuable to us. My wish is that this symposium will raise awareness about the rights of the elderly and healthy aging and pave the way for new collaborations.”
