As part of the preparatory work for the 2nd Council on Aging, to be held in October 2025, the Ministry of Family and Social Services organised “Provincial aging workshops” across all provinces. The workshops aimed to improve the quality of life of older adults, address their challenges and develop rights-based ageing policies. Held throughout August, the workshops brought together public institutions, local governments, academics, non-governmental organisations and older adults. The Turkish Alzheimer Association was honoured to be among the invited participants. On 27 August, the Association was represented by Education and Health Coordinator Ümmügül Geyik and Project Coordinator Ezgi Gizem Gürbüz at the workshop hosted by the Darülaceze Presidency in Okmeydanı, Istanbul. In addition, the Association also took part in the following workshops:
• Van and Konya – 13 August
• Tunceli – 14 August
• Denizli – 20 August.
During these sessions, they underlined the urgent need to issue the regulation on Alzheimer day care centres without delay. Their Van branch contributed actively with a 12-member team, including physicians, a gerontologist, a nurse, a project specialist and older adults.
Key topics presented included:
• The importance of their day care centre model
• The introduction of the “Third Age Refreshment School” and potential collaborations with universities
• Their observations and recommendations regarding nursing homes
• Awareness initiatives developed through the Association’s social and community activities.