THE LEARNING JOURNEY OF SENIOR CITIZENS CONTINUES

The Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality Department of Social Services organized an "Information Session on the Tazelenme University ( a lifelong learning program for individuals aged 60+)" as part of its lifelong learning activities for senior citizens.
The event, which attracted significant interest, provided comprehensive information about the Tazelenme University model, which offers free four-year undergraduate education to literate citizens aged 60 and over.

During the session, participants were informed in detail about the program's course curriculum, registration procedures, quota information, and the experiences of students who have already taken part in the program. Attendees had the opportunity to closely explore the opportunities offered by this innovative educational approach designed specifically for their third-age period.

As a guest speaker, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Emre Birinci, Head of the Aging Studies Application and Research Unit at Anadolu University, drew attention to Türkiye's rapidly aging population and emphasized the importance of Third- Age Universities as a lifelong learning model for senior citizens.
Birinci also noted that Tazelenme University, through its volunteer-based teaching system, fosters a strong sense of solidarity, and shared the following remarks:

"Thanks to our wide range of courses and seminars, citizens aged 60 and over have the opportunity to develop themselves in fields such as culture, arts, health, technology, and social sciences, while also meeting new social circles and maintaining an active and productive lifestyle."

Selim Öztop, Head of the Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality Department of Social Services, also attended the event and listened to participants' feedback regarding the activities carried out at Emek Cafe and the ESMEK Healthy Aging Unit. Öztop noted the suggestions for further improvement and stated that efforts would continue to strengthen social services provided to senior citizens.