A training event titled “Physical Activity for Older Adults” was organized in collaboration with Necmettin Erbakan University Konya Ereğli Kemal Akman Vocational School, Ereğli District Directorate of Youth and Sports, and Konya Ereğli Women Entrepreneurs Association to highlight the importance of physical activity in older adulthood and raise public awareness of healthy aging.

The event, held for the first time in Ereğli, brought together local officials, academics, field experts, and members of the public. Students from our Vocational School's Equine Studies and Coaching Program also volunteered in the organization, contributing to the successful implementation of the event.

The Importance of University–Community Collaboration Was Emphasized

Speaking at the event, Prof. Dr. Metin ARMAĞAN, Director of our Vocational School, emphasized the importance of universities transforming their scientific knowledge and expertise into benefits for society. Highlighting that such initiatives are an essential part of universities' community engagement mission, ARMAĞAN discussed the positive effects of regular and appropriate physical activity on healthy aging. He also expressed his satisfaction with the voluntary participation of students from the Equine Studies and Coaching Program and stated that they would continue to carry out scientific and social responsibility activities through interinstitutional collaboration.

Lecturer Mehmet Hanifi YALÇIN, Vice Director of our Vocational School, stated that the planning and implementation of the event were based on safe and sustainable physical activity approaches tailored to the needs of older adults. Emphasizing that the program was conducted with academic guidance and interinstitutional cooperation, YALÇIN highlighted the importance of expanding physical activity initiatives for older populations.

Harun HORTU, Ereğli District Director of Youth and Sports, emphasized that encouraging older adults to engage in regular physical activity is essential for both promoting healthy living and increasing participation in social life. He also thanked the institutions and participants who contributed to the organization.

Healthy Aging and Safe Exercise Approaches Discussed

Dr. Leman ELMAS, the event's instructor and seminar coordinator, addressed the importance of regular physical activity in preventing age-related muscle mass and bone density loss, as well as balance problems. Discussing the biomechanical and physiological effects of exercise, ELMAS emphasized that individually tailored exercise programs play a crucial role in maintaining functional independence, improving mobility, and reducing the risk of falls among older adults.

Physiotherapist Ender PITIR, who also provided information during the program, highlighted the role of physiotherapy interventions in maintaining mobility, supporting muscle and joint health, and improving quality of life among older adults. He emphasized the importance of physical activity and physiotherapy programs tailored to individual needs in addressing age-related conditions such as muscle loss, joint disorders, and osteoporosis.

Community Awareness and Institutional Collaboration

Dilek KARAKAŞ, President of the Konya Ereğli Women Entrepreneurs Association, which hosted the event, stated that the association prioritizes awareness-raising initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of different segments of society, alongside its economic and social activities. Highlighting the social importance of enabling older adults to lead healthy, active, and independent lives, KARAKAŞ thanked the institutions, academics, and participants who contributed to the event.

Throughout the event, the importance of regular physical activity was emphasized through the slogans “Exercise for Health,” “Stay Active, Avoid Inactivity,” and “Keep Moving, Embrace Life.”

Serving as a successful example of collaboration among universities, public institutions, and non-governmental organizations, the event contributed to raising awareness of healthy aging and physical activity among older adults.

Our Vocational School will continue to organize educational and awareness-raising activities that bring scientific knowledge and expertise to the community in line with its commitment to community engagement and social responsibility.