A meaningful visit from MAKÜ students to the Bahadın Aging Foundation

Within the scope of the 'Healthy Aging Project' supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports' ÜNİDES Program, many academicians and students participated in the visit, coordinated by MAKÜ and with contributions from Akdeniz University Gerontology Department.

Students and academicians studying in the fields of Gerontology, Social Services, and Elderly Care visited the Elderly Living Center located in the Bahadın town of Yozgat's Sorgun district, observing the services of the center on-site and meeting with individuals from the older age group in the town.

MAKÜ Gerontology Department Head Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sevinç Sütlü, Dr. Lecturer Ebru Akbaş, Lecturer Özge Kutlu, as well as Akdeniz University Gerontology Department Head Prof. Dr. Nilüfer Korkmaz Yaylagül and Research Assistant Jülide Yılmaz, along with many students, participated in the visit. Participants received detailed information about home care, flexible care, and institutional care services offered by the Bahadın Aging Foundation.

During the visit, Prof. Dr. Nilüfer Korkmaz Yaylagül, who made evaluations, pointed out that the work carried out in Bahadın offers a model that is unique in Turkey, stating, “The Bahadın Aging Movement has been actively ongoing for about 10 years. This model, which includes not only those in need of care but also active elderly individuals, is a pioneer in rural aging in Turkey. It is very valuable that it is carried out through a non-profit foundation working for public benefit. We wanted our students to see this model in the field.”

MAKÜ Gerontology Department Head Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sevinç Sütlü emphasized that the quality of the aging period is determined by the steps taken in youth, stating, “It is very important to acquire healthy habits without waiting to age. Behaviors such as sports, balanced nutrition, and social participation form the basis for an active and healthy aging process. Showing this exemplary practice to our students is of great importance for them to develop their professional perspectives.”

Throughout the visit, students, welcomed with the sincere hospitality of the Bahadın people, gained valuable information about aging in rural areas and on-site care practices. This experience contributed to developing a holistic perspective on situations they may encounter in their future professional lives.