‘Wise Life’ project reached 200 people

The European Union (EU) project with a budget of approximately 3.5 million TL, which was initiated with the aim of enabling individuals over 65 years of age in Izmir to participate more actively in social life by acquiring new hobbies and information, reached 200 people. Senior citizens were trained in many areas such as digital learning, social media and internet use, meditation, chair yoga, and breathing exercises within the scope of the project named ‘Wise Life’, prepared by Izmir University of Economics Continuing Education Center (EKOSEM) and started simultaneously in 5 different countries besides Turkey. The elderly, who participated in the trainings held on Balçova campus of IUE from different districts of Izmir, both improved themselves and spent time in fun activities.

The EU project titled ‘Wise Life: Awareness About Anti-Aging’, led by Prof. Dr. Nesrin Oruç Ertürk, Director of EKOSEM, increased the quality of life of senior citizens in Izmir. The 194 thousand-Euro project, which started last year with the participation of Greece, Italy, Germany, Hungary and Poland, as well as Turkey, will continue to be implemented until the end of 2023.

THE TIMING OF THE PROJECT WAS VERY GOOD

EKOSEM Director Prof. Dr. Ertürk drew attention to the importance of the project, saying that the pandemic period negatively affected individuals over the age of 65 in particular.  Stating that they are happy to realize a project that will set an example for Turkey, Prof. Dr. Ertürk said, “The elderly stayed at home for a long time during the pandemic and had social difficulties. This project was also quite good in terms of timing. We determined the elderly participating in the project on a voluntary basis. I can say that there was an intense participation. Senior citizens came to campus to receive education just like a student, they participated in art events, and had a great time together. We care about the elderly very much, we believe every work done for them is very valuable.”

SUBJECTS THAT WILL BE USEFUL IN DAILY LIFE

Prof. Dr. Ertürk continued as follows: “While determining the educational content, we chose the topics that will be useful for the elderly in their daily lives such as e-government applications, self-protection against internet fraud, nutrition and language training at an advanced age. Senior citizens who participated in the project gave us many positive feedbacks. We have scientifically proven that the elderly participate more in social life and feel much better psychologically, after the project as a result of statistical analysis. It made us happy to see that they were happy and enjoying themselves. The activities we carried out within the scope of the project were important in terms of getting the elderly involved in social life, as well as improving themselves physically and reducing the risk of dementia. We carried out our project in coordination and cooperation with other partners in Europe. As EKOSEM, we will continue to carry out projects for different age groups of society.”