On October 1, International Day of Older Persons, Bornova Municipality did not leave the city’s elderly residents alone and visited them in their homes. Expanding its services through the Directorate of Services for Persons with Disabilities and Older Persons and the Healthy Aging Center, Bornova Municipality is also preparing to offer senior residents an academic future with the “University of the Third Age,” which will open its doors soon. Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki emphasized that improving the quality of life of older residents is one of their most important responsibilities, saying, “Our greatest treasure is our venerable elders.”

With its approach to social municipalism, Bornova Municipality continues to reach residents of all age groups and marked October 1, International Day of Older Persons, with a special visit. Together with Bornova Deputy Mayor Duygu Bölük, Meriç Neighborhood Headman Elvan Aktimur and Kızılay Neighborhood Headman Besra Girgör, the municipality visited 98-year-old Hayriye Özışıkoğlu and 90-year-old Refiye Beceren, two symbolic figures of the district, in their homes to commemorate this special day.

“Our Venerable Elders Who Have Grown Older Are Dear to Us”

During the visits, Bornova Deputy Mayor Duygu Bölük conveyed the love and respect of Mayor Ömer Eşki to the senior residents and summarized the municipality’s vision for older people as follows:

“Growing older is life’s most valuable accumulation of experience. Here in Bornova, we stand by our elders not only today, but every day. Our Directorate of Services for Persons with Disabilities and Older Persons and our Healthy Aging Center continue their work without interruption. Now, however, we are taking this even further. With the University of the Third Age, which we will open very soon, we will bring an academic dimension to the lives of our senior residents. Their vitality and experience are Bornova’s greatest wealth.”

“Growing Older in Bornova Is Wonderful”

Hayriye Özışıkoğlu and Refiye Beceren expressed their happiness at the visit and thanked Bornova Municipality for the support it provides. Bornova’s venerable elders shared their feelings, saying:

“Even though we are growing older, we never feel alone or forgotten in Bornova. We have a municipality that knocks on our doors and asks how we are doing. We would like to thank everyone who keeps us involved in life and makes us feel valued.”

Mayor Eşki: “Our Greatest Treasure Is Our Venerable Elders”

Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki emphasized that improving the quality of life of older residents is one of their most important responsibilities and said:

“Our most valuable treasure is our venerable elders, whose experience lights the way for us. We are developing projects to ensure that every generation in Bornova can live in peace, health and security. We are building on the strong foundation established through our Healthy Aging Center with the Bornova University of the Third Age, where experience will meet academic knowledge. Through this educational initiative, which will strengthen the vitality and social connections of our elders, we will continue to stand by them at all times.”