Aging addressed with a multidisciplinary approach…

Üsküdar Üniversitesi Social Sciences Institute and the Dean's Office of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences organized a panel titled “Respect for the Elderly Week-A Youthful Perspective on Aging” as part of Elderly Week. The phenomenon of aging was discussed with approaches from different disciplines in the panel, which featured Dr. Lecturer Zeynep Gümüş Demir, Dr. Lecturer Nihan Kalkandeler Özdin, Dr. Lecturer Remziye Keskin, and Dr. Lecturer İdil Arasan Doğan as speakers. The place of individuals in social life and the healthy management of the aging process were thoroughly evaluated. 

Geropsychology is important in old age!

Dr. Lecturer Zeynep Gümüş Demir delivered the opening speech of the panel held in Socrates Hall. Demir pointed out that the elderly population is rapidly increasing in Turkey and worldwide, stating that the proportion of the elderly population in Turkey has reached 10%. Demir noted that many countries were caught unprepared for this demographic change and that the World Health Organization currently considers elder care a priority issue, emphasizing the importance of geropsychology for active aging and elder care. 

Digitalization makes older individuals passive!

Subsequently, Dr. Lecturer Nihan Kalkandeler Özdin noted that individuals in older age groups can be excluded from social life. Özdin stated that digitalization makes older individuals passive and emphasized the need to promote active aging. She highlighted that abandoning negative labeling towards the elderly and benefiting from their life experiences would provide social benefit.

Active aging should be a priority!

Later in the panel, Dr. Lecturer Remziye Keskin stated that aging is an ongoing process from the beginning of life. Keskin reminded that aging is one of the fundamental goals in human life and conveyed that healthy aging is possible by adapting to the signs of old age. Keskin also touched upon the importance of proper nutrition and stress control against negative symptoms such as muscle diseases, emphasizing that active aging should be a priority.

Social connection increases psychological resilience in old age

Finally, Dr. Lecturer İdil Arasan Doğan pointed out that as older individuals' dependence on others increases, their sensitivities also rise. Doğan stated that social support systems should play an important role in the lives of older individuals and said that maintaining social connections would increase psychological resilience during the aging process.

At the end of the panel, students Ayşe İsra and Gaye Durkaya shared their internship experiences in this field with the participants, conveying their observations on the process.

The event concluded after questions from the participants were answered. 

The panel made a significant contribution to raising awareness about aging and developing sensitivity among younger generations.