The greatest power that prevents aging is social support and meaningful activities.

Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University (MAKÜ) Aging Studies Application and Research Center (YAŞAM) continues to make an impact internationally with its research. Center Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Deniz Say Şahin announced that their latest research as YAŞAM has been extensively featured in the internationally respected scientific journal Current Psychology.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şahin stated that participation in meaningful activities and social support are the most important factors supporting healthy aging as a result of the studies conducted.

"As YAŞAM Center, we are guiding research on aging both at our university and across Turkey. We are conducting joint projects with many universities. Turkey is now a rapidly aging country. The digital age weakens the social relationships of elderly individuals and increases the feeling of loneliness. Unfortunately, this situation also brings the risk of depression." he stated.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şahin pointed out that loneliness has not only emotional but also neurological effects: "Loneliness can trigger neurological diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer's. Therefore, we initiated a research to reveal the social determinants of healthy and successful aging. We conducted the research titled 'The Role of Participation in Meaningful Activities in Successful Aging' in collaboration with Cerrahpaşa University Social Work Department and with the partnership of Prof. Dr. Taner Artan. Within the scope of the one-year study, comprehensive evaluations were made by interviewing 1,755 individuals aged 60 and over. The results obtained revealed that social support and meaningful activities done together are the strongest indicators of successful aging."

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şahin emphasized that these activities consist of small but meaningful parts of daily life:

"Playing board games together, organizing family meals, gathering at Ramadan tables, participating in dance or handicraft courses, playing games with grandchildren. All of these help elderly individuals feel healthier both mentally and cognitively."

This study conducted by MAKÜ YAŞAM Center once again demonstrated that strengthening social ties in old age supports both individual happiness and public health.