Healthy Aging Center Celebrates Its First Graduates

Bornova Municipality’s Healthy Aging Center held a graduation ceremony for its first graduates. Bornovans over 60 joyfully tossed their caps in the air, while Mayor Ömer Eşki highlighted the center’s peaceful and joyful atmosphere and thanked everyone who contributed. During the ceremony, a meaningful gift was also presented to the Gündüz couple, who donated the land on which the center was established.

Bornova Municipality’s Healthy Aging Center, planned at the Özgül Gündüz Health Village, celebrated its first graduates. At the outdoor ceremony, Bornovans aged 60 and over received their diplomas from Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki and enthusiastically threw their caps high with pride and excitement.

Before the ceremony, the Healthy Aging Center Choir, conducted by Maestro Selda Kesgi, performed marches and songs. Afterwards, senior participants energized the day with sports activities guided by expert trainers.

“One feels peaceful among you”

Mayor Ömer Eşki’s heartfelt speech received great applause. Reflecting on his more than one year as mayor, he said, “There are two places where I truly feel peaceful: among children and among you. You are genuinely positive people. No one can be unhappy when they are among you. I have listened to many professional choirs, but none sang as sincerely as yours. You were wonderful. I sincerely thank the donors who created this environment, my colleagues at the Health Affairs Directorate, and everyone who contributed here. Seeing you enjoy your time makes us very happy, both as a person and as a mayor. Events like these will continue.”

One Donation, One Center, One Life

The generous couple Özgül and Nihat Gündüz, who donated the land for the center, also attended the ceremony. Nihat Gündüz said, “It gives us great happiness and pride that such a wonderful activity is taking place here. We closely follow the work of Mayor Ömer. These kinds of projects are not easy. Municipalities are the first place people turn to. I thank the Mayor and wish him continued success.”

Mayor Eşki, who attended the event with his wife Beste Eşki, presented the Gündüz couple with a small Atatürk statue as a commemorative gift.

A Hub for Active Living

Bornova Municipality’s Healthy Aging Center operates various activities to help Bornovans aged 60 and over stay physically, mentally, and socially active. Participants learn and create through sports and dance workshops, handicrafts, cultural trips, and more. Every day, hundreds of “çınars” (a term of respect for elders) experience life intertwined with social engagement and vitality.