They learned the secrets of healthy aging

Izmir University of Economics (IUE) and Balçova Municipality organized the ‘2^nd Healthy Aging Symposium’ for individuals over 60 living in the district, marking an exemplary collaboration. Approximately 100 members of the Balçova Municipality Olgun Gençlik Merkezi (Mature Youth Center) attended the symposium, where information was provided on various topics such as how to stay healthy and fit in old age, how to perform correct physical activity, and methods to delay cognitive aging.

The Healthy Aging Symposium, organized for the second time this year as part of Respect for the Elderly Week, was hosted by Izmir University of Economics. The opening speeches of the symposium, which was attended by elderly individuals, academics, and students, were delivered by Prof. Dr. Filiz Öğce Aktaş, Dean of IUE Faculty of Health Sciences, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Barış Gürpınar, Head of IUE Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation.

“EXERCISE IS THE BEST MEDICINE”

Following the remarkable speech by Fatma Akkoca, Member of Dokuz Eylül University (DEU) Faculty of Dentistry, who explained the potential oral problems associated with aging and methods to prevent these problems, IUE Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Lecturer Burcu Ece Korkmaz delivered a presentation on ‘Physiotherapy in Temporomandibular Joint Problems’ in the second session of the program. Korkmaz provided information to individuals over 60 on topics such as factors causing chewing disorders in the jaw, oral-jaw exercises, the relationship between the temporomandibular joint and physiotherapy, and posture correction exercises. Korkmaz said, “Exercise is the best medicine; therefore, regular exercise is essential. Adequate and quality sleep, balanced and sufficient nutrition, and stress control are other important factors for the health of the temporomandibular joint.”

IUE Department of Nursing Lecturer Emine Sezgünsay provided informative details on conditions that impair oral health, basic oral care, and important points to consider in denture care in her presentation titled ‘Aging and Oral Care’. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Turan Işık, Head of Department of Geriatrics, DEU Faculty of Medicine, emphasized the importance of movement in his presentation titled ‘Stay Young in Mind and Body’, noting that diseases increase with age. DEU Department of Geriatrics Lecturer Prof. Dr. Derya Kaya's information on how to protect brain health while aging attracted great interest.

“THE RATE OF AGING CAN BE SLOWED DOWN”

Physiotherapist Çisil Çimenli from Balçova Municipality pointed out the World Health Organization's recommendation of 150 minutes of regular exercise per week, stating that this time can be easily spread throughout the week. Çimenli stated that it is possible to slow down the rate of aging by increasing physical activity and exercising regularly, and provided recommendations on this matter. Stating that they have opened many physical and mental courses for citizens over 60 to age actively at the Olgun Gençlik Merkezi, which Balçova Municipality has implemented, Çimenli said, “We have 400 members in our center. We start the day with yoga and exercise in the mornings. We do breathing exercises. We have foreign language courses. Each course is taught by experts in their field. We do not delete the registrations of members if they do not come, but we take attendance. Because we want them to come to this center with a university awareness. They will receive a graduation certificate from us at the end of the course, and they will also throw their caps. Our members will do exactly what university students do.”