Üsküdar academics explained healthy aging on 'World Senior Citizens' Day'

Üsküdar University academics also took part in the 'Healthy Aging Panel' organized by the Kadıköy Municipality Social Life House within the scope of 'World Senior Citizens' Day'. In the panel, where different topics from oral and dental health to nutrition, active aging to psychological well-being were discussed, the physical and mental dimensions of healthy aging were evaluated. 

Asst. Prof. İdil Arasan Doğan, Faculty Member of the Psychology Department, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Üsküdar University, moderated the panel held at the Kadıköy Municipality Council Building Conference Hall. 

During the panel, Assoc. Prof. Zeynep Gümüş Demir, Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Üsküdar University, presented her topic titled “Psychological Well-being in the Elderly,” while Asst. Prof. İdil Arasan Doğan addressed the issue of “Dementia and Mental Health Systems in Long Lives.”

Also at the panel, Prof. Tuğba Toz Akalın gave a presentation titled “Healthy Smiles in Wise Ages,” Prof. Muazzez Garipağaoğlu presented “Nutrition Tips in the Geriatric Period,” and Prof. Feryal Subaşı delivered a presentation on “Active Aging: Walking, Balance, and Innovative Health Technology.”

Importance of psychological well-being in old age emphasized

Assoc. Prof. Zeynep Gümüş Demir, Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Üsküdar University, evaluating psychological well-being in old age, stated; “There are fundamental components of psychological well-being. These include accepting oneself as one is, being able to establish trusting relationships with others, making one's own decisions, finding purpose and meaning in life, and continuing to develop. Retirement, losses, and health problems can shake these areas in old age.”

Emphasizing the importance of maintaining social ties, participating in meaningful activities, and sharing life experiences, Demir stated that depression and loneliness are among the main factors negatively affecting psychological well-being. Demir also expressed that positive psychology-based studies can support psychological well-being in advanced ages.

Mental health problems in old age should not be ignored

Asst. Prof. İdil Arasan Doğan, in her speech, drew attention to the need for systematic support mechanisms in the areas of mental health and dementia with the increase in life expectancy. Referring to this year's theme of the United Nations, Doğan also shared data on the elderly population in Türkiye.

Doğan reminded the theme “The Age of Long Life: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives” and stated that according to TÜİK's 2025 data, 9.58 million people in Türkiye are aged 65 and over, and at least one elderly individual lives in almost one out of every four households.

Emphasizing that mental health problems in old age should not be normalized and ignored, Doğan said; “Depression in old age is often dismissed by saying 'that's just how old age is.' However, approximately 14 percent of adults over 70 live with a mental disorder, with depression and anxiety being the most common. Depression in old age is treatable. Psychotherapy and, when necessary, medication are effective. Diagnosis should not be an end, but a beginning. Especially in dementia processes… From family doctors to municipalities, from social services to neighborhood relations, there must be a system at every stop along this path. Making life livable in long lives; it is all our shared task.”