ECOLOGICAL GERONTOLOGY AND AGING EVENT

On December 12, 2025, we held an Ecological Gerontology and Aging Event in Muğla with broad participation.

This was the first gerontology gathering of its kind and scope in Muğla.

At this meeting, we discussed that aging is not merely a biological process; it is a phenomenon that permeates every aspect of life and concerns the entire society.

At the end of the day, we all sought answers to the question:

“How can we age better, how can we live together better?”

Presentations by experts in their fields provided an opportunity to address aging from scientific, social, and everyday perspectives.

Prof. Dr. Sibel Arguvanlı Çoban, in her presentation titled “A Psychosocial Approach to Ecological Gerontology,” addressed aging in conjunction with environmental factors and the individual's psychosocial world.

Dr. Özlem Özgür focused on the practical applications of gerontology with her presentations titled “The Role of Local Governments in Gerontology” and “Applied Gerontology Approaches.”

Dr. Melih Vural evaluated the aging-health relationship from a medical perspective in his presentation on “Dementia Diseases and Healthy Nutrition.”

Attorney Demir Durak presented the legal framework of aging with his presentation titled “Lifelong Law and the Rights of the Elderly.”

Gülsima Ağıldere Baykal and Dr. Özlem Özgür served as moderators in the relevant sessions.

The program was not limited to presentations.

The Movement and Stretching Workshop, led by trainer Melisa Yıldırım, and the Dance Workshop, conducted by Esra Çiçek & Murat Esentürk, were the most lively and engaging activities of the day. Interactive games such as table tennis, ring toss, and song completion ensured that participants were actively involved in the process.

One of the most special moments of intergenerational contact was the “We Sprout Together” Planting Event. Under the guidance of Agricultural Engineer Necla Dall, kindergarten children and adults came together in the same area.

The “Before & Now” photography exhibition, prepared by photographer Erdinç Özal, reminded us that aging is not a loss, but a life experience that deepens with time.

We sincerely thank all stakeholders and participants who made this gathering possible, which was realized through the partnership of Menteşe Municipality, the National Social and Applied Gerontology Association, the EGET Foundation, and the Hasbahçe Foundation.

This successful organization was made possible through the joint efforts and dedicated work of the institutions.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to and participated in the Ecological Gerontology and Aging Event.