HAPPINESS WORKSHOP FOR OLDER ADULTS BY THE METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY

The Happiness Workshop, organized by the Family Counseling Unit under the Women's Studies Branch Directorate of the Department of Social Services of Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality, was completed with a ceremony at which certificates of participation were presented to the attendees.

The Happiness Workshop was organized through the cooperation of the Women's Studies Branch Directorate and the Vocational Training and Education Branch Directorate of the Metropolitan Municipality. The workshop, held at the Healthy Aging Unit by the Family Counseling Unit, was attended by individuals aged 60 and over over a period of eight weeks. The program was conducted by professional family counselor Gerçek Bilyaz İzgü.

Through the workshop activities, the program aimed to help group members develop self-awareness of their own lives and organize their daily lives through practices based on positive psychology and positive psychotherapy. The workshops also aimed to support participants in developing problem-solving and social skills, recognizing their own potential and strengths, and setting future goals.

Following the completion of the workshops, a certificate ceremony was held with the participation of Selim Öztop, Head of the Department of Social Services, and Özge Ören Sağdıç, Acting Head of the Women's Studies Branch Directorate. In his speech, Öztop stated: "The aim of the Happiness Workshop is to seek ways of coping with life's challenges not on our own, but together. Challenges will always exist; however, if we can change our perspective, feel that we are not alone, and view the process as a form of group therapy, we can heal more quickly. Most importantly, as we become happier, this positivity also reflects on those around us. We hope that you have enjoyed this process."

Participants of the workshops expressed their great satisfaction, stating: "Instead of being stuck in front of the television at home, we were very happy to be part of such a group. Our horizons broadened, and our negative thoughts were replaced by positive ones. We would like all individuals aged 60 and over to take part in these workshops. We would like to sincerely thank Metropolitan Mayor Ayşe Ünlüce and everyone who contributed to the organization of these workshops."

It was announced that the Happiness Workshop, which was organized with the aim of increasing participants' levels of happiness and life satisfaction and making a positive contribution to their psychological resilience and overall well-being, will continue in both the city center and rural districts with individuals from different age groups.