Gelisim News

Istanbul Gelisim University held I. International Gerontology Workshop. Prof. Dr. Terence Seedsman from Victoria University in Melbourne, known as Alzheimer's Einstein, Prof. Dr. İsmail Tufan from Akdeniz University the Department of Gerontology, Head of Geriatric Psychiatry and Alzheimer Association Prof. Dr. Engin Eker, 109-year-old Mehmet Yılmaz from Ordu, the faculty members of IGU and students attended the workshop in the Conference Hall of the University.

Psychology, social life and illnesses of the elderly were discussed in the workshop and it was noted that human life was prolonged by increasing preventive health services such as control of contagious diseases, treatment of infections, adequate and balanced nutrition. In the event where it was mentioned that Turkey became an aging country rather than the one with young population, it was pointed out that the lives of the elderly can be facilitated by developing policies in cooperation among society, individuals and the government.

Prof. Dr. Terence Seedsman from Victoria University, known as Einstein on Alzheimer illness suggested to make new stories as people age. Prof. Dr. Seedsman said: “Aging is actually a part of human life, a period of life in which we grow, develop and mature, and in this sense, I approach to aging positively. There is a social aspect of aging. The individual must get support from the community in trying to optimize their aging. We can say that the responsibility is shared by both society and the individual.”

Stating that people's stories will never end, Prof. Dr. Seedsman said: “While societies provide the best aging of individuals, government policies should be established to support the family, the individual and the elderly during periods of fragility and illness. People's stories never end. We have a breakthrough potential to build and develop our lives when we are young, to work and produce in our adulthood and to make new stories by blending all these experiences in our old age. Human development never ends and continues throughout life.”

Professor Dr. Seedsman said: “Awareness in the field of aging in Turkey and the proliferation of initiatives in this sense I think it is very meaningful, I was very impressed. Turkey is now aware that rather than being a young country it is an aging country. It is ready to take steps. This is what the increasing number of elderly people require.”

Coming together with 109-year-old Mehmet Yılmaz from Ordu in the workshop Professor. Dr. Terence Seedsman described Mehmet Yılmaz as a ‘super miracle’. Prof. Dr. Seedsman said: “My friend Mehmet is a very young gentleman. He's 109 years old. He still continues to write, develop and produce stories. We call people over 100 years old as ‘centuries-old individuals’, we can say that it is a super miracle.”

109-year-old Mehmet Yılmaz, born and raised in Gölköy district of Ordu with a population of 30,000, lives alone and does all his own work. Still vigorous and energetic Yılmaz has 7 children and he doesn’t know the number of his grandchildren.

Uncle Mehmet was married for 65 years and 7 years ago lost his wife Hüsne Yılmaz, and stating that he misses her very much sang a song from Ordu region "Yayla Yaylaya Bakar" (“Highland faces highland”).

Yılmaz stating that he lived a hard life of until 109 years old, said: “I did four years of military service. When I finished military service, I married my wife. I farmed, looked after my children. I didn't make hem to need anyone. The secret of my longevity is the order of Allah”.

Stating that 109 years have passed like a dream, Mehmet Yılmaz said: “I don't know how it went, it was like a dream. Nobody understands how age goes. I have three sons and four daughters. I can't count my grandchildren. I can't choose them which one's child”

Chairman of Geriatric Psychiatry and Alzheimer's Foundation Prof. Dr. Engin Eker stated that there is no such a rule that people of any age will face psychological problems. Professor Dr. Eker continued:

Those who are at peace with life, those who increase human relations, those who have a good marriage, especially those who continue to produce, who have hobbies, occupations and who are able to communicate with young people have a good aging period. In recent years the average life is extended: improvement of hygienic conditions, nutrition, vaccines have extended human life. Prolongation of human life is a risk for diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The incidence of Alzheimer's is between 3 and 7 percent in the 65-70 age group, but increases to 47 percent in people aged 85 and over.

Professor Dr. Eker said: “To prevent Alzheimer, blood pressure and sugar must be controlled. Also, it is needed to stay away from stress, not to prefer loneliness by increasing communication with our environment and take care of the nutrition. Physical activity has also gained great importance in recent years. Our elderly people can be protected from Alzheimer's if they walk 3 or 4 days a week for half an hour.”