Bornova’s University of the Third Age Opens, Proving That Learning and Producing Have No Age Limit

Bornova Municipality’s University of the Third Age officially opened its doors for the new academic year with an enthusiastic ceremony at Altındağ Atatürk Cultural Center. Criticizing a culture that pushes older citizens to the margins of life, Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki emphasized the project’s social significance, saying, “We strongly oppose a culture that uses up our older citizens and then casts them aside. We believe that learning and producing must continue throughout life.” The senior residents of Bornova began their first classes with rhythm training, taking the first steps on a new lifelong learning journey.

Bornova Municipality launched the new academic year of the University of the Third Age, established in cooperation with the Aegean Geriatrics Association, with an enthusiastic ceremony at Altındağ Atatürk Cultural Center. The initiative aims to support the active participation of older residents in social life and promote a culture of lifelong learning. On the first day of this project, where experience meets knowledge, Bornova’s senior residents took a dynamic first step into university life with their introductory rhythm class. Participants were also given the Health Support Card, which enables them to benefit from discounts at numerous healthcare facilities in Bornova Municipality’s network.

Mayor Eşki: “We Oppose a Consumer Culture That Casts Older Citizens Aside”

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki delivered a clear and forceful message about the importance of remaining actively involved in production throughout life. Noting that society is trapped in a cycle of consumption imposed by international imperialism, Mayor Eşki said:

“Continuing to produce and remain engaged in production throughout life is an immensely important value in itself. Unfortunately, instead of instilling a culture of education and production in our children from kindergarten onward, we have turned the process upside down in our country. Yet projects such as the University of the Third Age remind us once again of the importance of continuing to produce. Today, society is being made to live within a system built entirely around consumption. One painful consequence is that, after consuming everything else, we begin to consume our own people as well.

“A culture has developed in which the older citizens who built this country, who produced everything we have through their own hard work, and whom we should value and respect above all, are regarded as ‘used up’ and cast aside in the final stage of their lives. Today, from Bornova, we are raising a powerful objection to this culture! We believe that learning and producing must continue uninterrupted throughout life.

“I would like to thank our Health Affairs Directorate, our staff, our deputy mayor, and our council members for their contributions to this valuable initiative. You are deeply valued by us. Accompanying you as you continue to produce and sharing this university experience with you are among our greatest sources of motivation.”

“This Experience Cannot Be Explained; It Must Be Lived”

Osman Tartılacı, Coordinator of the University of the Third Age, highlighted the program’s role in strengthening social bonds and noted that they share the same excitement every year.

“The experience of the third age cannot be explained; it must be lived. This place will be unlike high school or your previous university experience, because here, much stronger and more genuine friendships develop, free from self-interest. We will strengthen these bonds even further through social activities such as nature walks and excursions,” Tartılacı said, wishing everyone a successful new academic year.

The Formula for Healthy Ageing and Economic Contribution

Mevlüt Ülgen, President of the Aegean Geriatrics Association, recalled that the initiative began at Ege University in 2016 within the framework of the United Nations’ concept of active and healthy ageing and has since expanded to 11 districts across İzmir.

“This university is a rebellion against the prejudiced approach that views people after retirement merely as a ‘burden on the social security system’ or as individuals who are no longer productive. Our data show that the physical, cognitive, and psychological complaints of older adults participating in this program decrease. They make fewer hospital visits and use fewer medications. In this respect, the project also contributes directly to the national economy. I would like to thank Bornova Municipality and Mayor Ömer Eşki for supporting this meaningful initiative despite limited resources,” Ülgen said.

A Rich Academic Program, from Digital Literacy to Cosmology

Coordinated by Bornova Municipality’s Health Affairs Directorate, the 2026–2027 academic calendar will run from October 13, 2026, to May 16, 2027. The comprehensive program aims to help older adults maintain their cognitive and physical vitality. Classes and workshops will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Altındağ Atatürk Cultural Center.

Weekly Courses and Workshops

• Nutrition for Healthy Ageing: Balanced eating habits and ways to maintain quality of life.

• Geriatrics: Physical and cognitive changes associated with ageing and ways to prevent illness.

• Digital Literacy: Adapting to developing technologies and using digital tools safely.

• Cosmology and History: Courses that encourage scientific curiosity about the structure of the universe, alongside history sessions that enrich cultural knowledge from the past to the present.

• Practical Workshops: The Rhythm Workshop, designed to improve coordination and memory, will take place on Tuesdays from 14:30 to 15:30. Folk Dance sessions, aimed at increasing physical mobility, will be held on Thursdays from 15:30 to 16:30.

Through this forward-looking initiative, Bornova Municipality continues to recognize older residents not merely as recipients of municipal services, but as active contributors whose experience helps shape society.