Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) delivered the first lecture of the “University of Third Age / 60+ Senior Development” project designed in line with the vision of active and healthy aging of individuals who are 60 and over. The first lecture was delivered by EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç on Tuesday, 3 March 2026 at 4:00 p.m.
Dean of Faculty of Health Sciences Prof. Dr. Mehtap Malkoç, Chair of the Association of Elderly Rights and Mental Health Prof. Dr. Hatice Jenkins, General Secretary of the Association of Elderly Rights and Mental Health Dr. Kenan Başaran, Project Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zehra Güçhan Topçu and, Executive Board Members of the University of Third Age / 60+ Senior Development Program Assoc. Prof. Dr. Süheyla Üçışık Erbilen and Assist. Prof. Dr. Asiye Güngör attended the event.
The lecture began with academic personnel members, who are to teach as part of the University of Third Age / 60+ Senior Development Program, introducing themselves.
In her speech, Prof. Dr. Mehtap Malkoç – Dean of EMU Faculty of Health Sciences – underlined that there is no age limit in learning and emphasized the importance of healthy aging. Prof. Dr. Malkoç stated that, through this program, they have taken an important step together with the participants toward a healthy ageing process, expressing her hope that the coming years will be spent in a healthier and more active manner. She also noted that, as the Faculty of Health Sciences, they are delighted to host the participants and are ready to provide all necessary support so they can benefit from the faculty’s facilities.
EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç also addressed the participants, emphasized that the program goes beyond being merely an educational activity and also brings a new perspective on ageing. He noted that the University of the Third Age / Senior Development Program represents the beginning of a mental transformation, highlighting that old age should now be viewed as a new beginning. Describing this period as one of the most conscious, healthy, and free stages of life, Prof. Dr. Kılıç stated that perceptions of ageing were quite different in the past, but that the program aims to reshape this understanding. He further explained that the goal of the University of the Third Age / Senior Development Program is to encourage participants to think, produce, and share together. Stressing the rapid development of technology, the transformation of social structures, and the extension of human lifespan, Prof. Dr. Kılıç concluded that lifelong learning is the secret to staying young, adding that participants will both gain new knowledge and strengthen their social bonds through the program.
Within the scope of the first lecture, academics from the Faculty of Health Sciences delivered comprehensive presentations on healthy living, preventive health services, and conscious ageing. In accordance with the academic calendar set for the program, participants will continue to benefit from a variety of educational sessions and activities offered by academics from different disciplines.