Awareness training on age discrimination was conducted at three universities in collaboration with MAKÜ.

Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University (MAKÜ) Social Development Community, in collaboration with Akdeniz University and Muş Alparslan University, organized and supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports University Student Communities Cooperation and Support Program (ÜNİDES), within the scope of the Let's Age Together: Intergenerational Solidarity Project , ‘Awareness Training on Age Discrimination’ was successfully conducted at our university, Akdeniz University, and Muş Alparslan University. A large number of students and academic staff participated in the organized training programs.

The training program focused on drawing attention to the issue of age discrimination, the prejudices faced by elderly individuals in social life, forms of exclusion, and ways to combat discrimination. The program was enriched with presentations by academicians in the field of aging studies.

In the first session of the training, Head of MAKÜ Gerontology Department Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sevinç Sütlü addressed the definition of age discrimination and its effects on social perceptions with her presentation titled ‘Understanding Age Discrimination’. The representation of the elderly in the media and the impact of age-based prejudices on individuals' quality of life were particularly emphasized. 

In the second session, MAKÜ Gerontology Department Faculty Member Dr. Lecturer Ebru Akbaş provided information on ‘Communication Skills with the Elderly’. The presentation raised awareness about the challenges in intergenerational communication, empathy-based communication methods, and psychological conditions commonly seen in elderly individuals. 

In the third session, MAKÜ Social Work Department Faculty Member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Öçal addressed the structural causes of age discrimination in his presentation titled ‘Age Discrimination from a Social Work Perspective’. Attention was drawn to the rights of elderly individuals and the advocacy role that social workers should undertake in line with these rights.

In the fourth session, Head of Muş Alparslan University Gerontology Department Dr. Lecturer Mehmet Efe opened the concept of ‘Positive Aging’ for discussion. Efe emphasized that aging should not only be associated with losses and explained how individuals can maintain their strengths and continue their societal contributions as they age.

In the final session of the training, Head of Akdeniz University Gerontology Department Prof. Dr. Nilüfer Korkmaz Yaylagül explained the environmental and social conditions that facilitate the active participation of elderly individuals in social life with her presentation titled ‘Elderly-Friendly Societies’. The importance of elderly-friendly cities, accessible public spaces, and a holistic service approach was highlighted.

At the end of the event, certificates of appreciation were presented to the participants. In the evaluations made at the end of the program, the importance of awareness in combating age discrimination and intergenerational solidarity was emphasized once again.