Eastern Mediterranean University Health Sciences Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Hülya Harutoglu released a message for Older Persons' Week which is between 18 and 24 March. Stating that aging is an unavoidable process emerging with loss of functions in cells and organs, Prof. Dr. Harutoglu put forth that in developed countries the average life expectancy has increased, thanks to modern treatment methods, elevating socioeconomic and cultural levels, increase in scientific research aiming to slow down the aging process and the application of evidence based methods. Prof. Dr. Harutoglu stated that the World Health Organisation announced the period between 18 and 24 March as the Older Persons' Week in 1982 and added that the important point is to demonstrate respect and love towards the eldely all the time, not only during this special week.
Prof. Dr. Harutoglu added that the active aging process project pays special importance in the inclusion of the elderly into social, economic and cultural activities in order to maintain their independence level. Prof. Dr. Harutoglu also put forth that in addition to the social andeconomic regulations within the health system, geriatric and gerontology units which require interdisciplinary work should be developed within the health network. Prof. Dr. Harutoglu expressed that doctors,physiotherapists, dietitians, nurses, geriatric care technicians, social services specialists and psychiatrists are important team members in the interdisciplinary geriatric units.
In her message, Prof. Dr. Hülya Harutoglu stated that as EMU Health Sciences Faculty, they contribute to a healthy aging period within the framework of the individual, social and health services provided by the faculty. The faculty has been fulfilling its mission in the field of geriatric care by bringing up geriatric care specialists, physiotherapists, dietitians, and nurses. Additionally, within the framework of the civic involvement project, the faculty shares geriatric and aging related information with the community.
