The "First National Gerontology Symposium," organized by the Department of Gerontology, was held at Ondokuz Mayis University (OMU), marking a significant event in the field of aging studies in Türkiye. The symposium took place at the OMU Atatürk Culture and Congress Center, drawing participation from a wide array of professionals, including OMU's Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Selim Eren and Murat Terzi, Deputy Director of Family and Social Services Necmettin Aygün, Atakum Mayor Cemil Deveci, academics and students from various universities, and experts working in the field.

"Our students should also benefit from this symposium"

Expressing his gratitude to everyone involved in organizing the symposium, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Selim Eren emphasized the importance of discussing current issues and said, "We aim to make OMU a central hub for such discussions in the region. I hope our students also benefit from this symposium."

"Interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary studies are required to solve the problems of the elderly"

Highlighting the need for interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary efforts to address the challenges posed by an aging population, Symposium Chair Dr. Esra Erdoğan concluded her speech by saying, "Just like in the rest of the world, 'Respect for the Elderly Week' is observed in our country between March 18-24 every year, as a gesture of love and respect towards our elders from whom we always seek advice and experience. I wish all our elders health and wellness during this special week."

The opening conference featured a presentation by Prof. Dr. İsmail Tufan, the founder of Türkiye's first Gerontology department at Akdeniz University in 2006. Prof. Tufan discussed the 60+ Tazelenme University, Türkiye's pioneering model of lifelong education for the third age, sharing insights into the student experiences at Tazelenme University and highlighting the importance of Gerontology as a field of study.

Following the opening program, a session titled "Field Collaboration between Gerontologists and Geriatricians," moderated by Prof. Dr. Hatice Kumcağız, facilitated a discussion among attendees. Dr. Ali Ekrem Aydın shared a geriatrician's perspective; Gerontologists Fatmagül Şen and Hatice Akbulut shared their experiences in special care centers and public services, respectively; and Prof. Dr. Bernd Seeberger from UMIT Tirol - Private University for Health Sciences and Health Technology offered insights into social psychological perspectives on old age.

The second session, chaired by Bülent Karakuş from the General Directorate of Disabled and Elderly Services of the Ministry of Family and Social Services, featured presentations on social service policies for the elderly and the process of elderly services in local governments, explicitly highlighting the case of Samsun. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Emre Birinci shared information about the social participation facilitated by the 60+ Tazelenme University's Anadolu Campus.

The third session, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yaşar Barut focused on "Elderly Rights and Mental Health." Experts discussed mental illnesses in old age, elderly rights, the development of the Gerontology profession in Türkiye, and international projects on elderly rights.

The symposium concluded with a "Gerontological Counseling, Rehabilitation, and Social Services" session, where speakers delved into topics such as exercise for the elderly, ergonomics, psychological counseling, approaches to hearing loss in old age, and gerontological social services.

The event wrapped up with closing remarks from Symposium Chair Dr. Esra Erdoğan, followed by the distribution of certificates and gifts, marking the successful conclusion of the First National Gerontology Symposium.