Academic Year Concludes with Joy at the Healthy Aging Center

A total of 120 senior citizens benefiting from the Healthy Aging Center, operating under the Bornova Municipality Directorate of Health Affairs, experienced the excitement of graduation after a year filled with activities and programs. During the ceremony held at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the Uğur Mumcu Culture and Arts Center, participants received their diplomas and impressed the audience with musical and rhythm performances they had prepared throughout the year.

A Graduation Ceremony Filled with Rhythm and Music

The event began with a performance by the rhythm group led by instructor Hasan Başkaya. This was followed by a concert conducted by Choir Director Selda Keski. The choir was accompanied by Eren Sağlam on qanun, Caner Araal on keyboard, and Şener Akıncı on percussion. The performance of the senior participants received enthusiastic applause from the audience, while their families joined in singing folk songs and popular tunes. The event, filled with both emotional and joyful moments, concluded with the presentation of diplomas to the participants.

Duygu Bölük: “What Matters Is Not Age, but How We Participate in Life”

Speaking at the ceremony, Bornova Municipality Deputy Mayor Duygu Bölük stated that the Healthy Aging Center has been strengthened and revitalized to encourage older citizens to participate more actively in social life.

Emphasizing that remaining engaged in life is more important than age itself, Bölük noted that the center offers participants opportunities to build new friendships, stay productive, and continue personal development. She thanked the participants and their families for their support and stated that Bornova Municipality would further expand its services for older adults in the coming years.

Bölük also announced that the municipality is preparing to launch a “Third Age University” project, which will provide a more structured and academic framework for educational and social activities. She invited participants to take an active role in this new initiative.

Active Living in the Second Spring of Life

The Healthy Aging Center of Bornova Municipality aims to support older adults in maintaining active physical, mental, and social lives. The center offers a variety of activities, including music, rhythm training, exercise programs, health awareness sessions, social events, and hobby workshops.

Participants not only acquire new skills but also strengthen their social connections, contributing to an improved quality of life.

Operating under Bornova Municipality’s vision of “active and healthy aging,” the center helps prevent social isolation among older individuals while encouraging them to remain productive, engaged, and active members of the community.

Next Goal: The Third Age University

Building on the experience gained through the Healthy Aging Center, Bornova Municipality plans to establish a Third Age University in the coming period. The program, which is expected to be implemented in cooperation with universities and subject-matter experts, aims to strengthen lifelong learning opportunities for older adults and encourage their continued participation in educational and social life.