Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University (MAKÜ) Faculty of Health Sciences Department of Gerontology and Çavdır Vocational School Elderly Care Program students conducted a technical visit to the Necla-Yaşar Duru Gerontology Center in Antalya on May 9, 2025, to observe institutional studies conducted in the field of aging on-site.
The visit was accompanied by the Head of the Gerontology Department Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sevinç Sütlü and faculty members Dr. Lecturer Ebru Akbaş, Dr. Lecturer Nurvet Büyükyörük, Dr. Lecturer Kerime Öğüt Düzen, and Elderly Care Program Lecturer Özge Kutlu. The trip was planned to support the professional development of students and to reinforce a community service-based learning approach.
During the visit to the Gerontology Center, students had the opportunity to examine on-site the holistic care processes for elderly individuals and practices supporting active aging. This experience contributed to students both reinforcing their theoretical knowledge with practice and developing their abilities to assess the multidimensional needs of elderly individuals.
One of the most striking parts of the visit was the interactive activities conducted with the elderly individuals at the center. Activities such as canvas painting, shrink paper work, board games, and terrarium making allowed for meaningful intergenerational communication between students and the elderly. This social interaction made significant contributions to students developing empathy and effective communication skills with elderly individuals.
During the visit, Prof. Dr. İsmail Tufan from Akdeniz University Department of Gerontology provided students with comprehensive information about the service structure and objectives of the center via teleconference. Throughout the technical trip, students were guided by Gerontology Center Director Gerontologist Hilal Yiğit, Nurse Saniye Duacı, and Research Assistant Dr. Özlem Özgür.
The technical trip was not limited to just professional knowledge transfer; it was also completed with cultural richness. At the end of the program, students had the opportunity to explore the historical button houses, which have become a symbol of the İbradı district, and to recognize the cultural heritage of the region.
This meaningful visit allowed students to both experience field applications in the field of aging and to understand more deeply the value of community-based services.
