AKK Hosted the Elderly Care Systems Workshop

Ankara City Council (AKK) organized an important event to improve the quality of life of elderly individuals on January 17-18, 2025. Hosting the “Elderly Care Systems Workshop”, AKK opened up discussions on solutions for elderly care and exchanged ideas with participants. The workshop discussed steps to be taken for the elderly to live a healthier and higher quality life.

The Importance of Elderly Care: Social Responsibility and the Role of Municipalities

Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mansur Yavaş emphasized in his opening speech at the workshop that elderly care is not only the responsibility of the state but also of local governments. Yavaş stated that ABB will continue to support the 65 thousand retired people in the city and said, “What is important for us is that our elderly do not feel alone. They need to know that we stand behind them.” He also emphasized that they will strengthen social support mechanisms in order to make the lives of elderly individuals easier.

Old Age Considered as a Life Journey

AKK President Halil İbrahim Yılmaz stated that aging is not just a biological process, but also a journey of life. Yılmaz addressed aging not only in terms of health issues but also in terms of society, emphasizing the importance of experiences and knowledge accumulation. He said, “Getting older is great, but when it is combined with poverty and helplessness, it becomes difficult to live,” and drew attention to the need to ensure the participation of elderly individuals in social life. The workshop reached a consensus that the experiences of the elderly are an indispensable resource for society.

New Perspectives on the Elderly Care System: Search for Solutions

The workshop held a series of sessions to make the elderly care system more efficient. Under titles such as “Elderly Care in Local Governments”, “Delaying Aging”, “Preventing Aging”, participants discussed various challenges and solutions related to old age. Experts stated that elderly care is not only a health issue but also an economic, psychological and social issue, and that a holistic approach should be adopted.

Improving Social Support and Quality of Life for the Elderly

Ahmet Güven, Deputy Director of ABB Social Services Department, touched upon the services provided by the Metropolitan Municipality to increase the quality of life of elderly individuals. He said that in addition to various services such as home care, health services, cleaning and psychosocial support, they aim to increase the living standards of elderly individuals with projects such as Retirement Clubs and Alzheimer Social Life Center.

Aging in Impoverishment: A Social Problem

The workshop emphasized that one of the biggest problems of elderly individuals is poverty. CHP Ankara Deputy Dr. Aylin Yaman stated that Turkey's aging problem is not only a demographic problem but also a socioeconomic problem. Yaman stated that elderly people need not only financial but also psychological and social support. CHP Ankara Deputy Semra Dinçer also touched on the importance of elderly individuals' participation in social life and reminded the state and society of their responsibility in this regard.

Final Declaration: Steps for Quality Improvement in Elderly Care

In the workshop, a final report was created with the analyses made on elderly care. Participants made SWOT analyses on topics such as “Long-Term Care Service Models”, “Economic Dimensions of Care and Assurance System”, “Training Qualified Manpower”, “Quality Monitoring and Sustainability” and made suggestions to make elderly care more efficient. In the workshop, the necessary steps for the care of elderly individuals and the improvement of their quality of life were determined and it was emphasized that this process should be carried out in cooperation with local governments and civil society organizations.

Elderly Care, A Social Responsibility

The “Elderly Care Systems Workshop” organized by the Ankara City Council revealed that important steps need to be taken to improve the quality of life of elderly individuals. The solution proposals put forward at the workshop reminded us once again that not only municipalities and the state, but the entire society has the responsibility to improve the lives of elderly individuals. A social mobilization is needed to make the quality of life of the elderly sustainable.