Dish of the Day

Prof. Dr. Cevdet Yılmaz, Head of the Department of Turkish and Social Sciences Education at the Faculty of Education, Ondokuz Mayıs University, evaluated the global ageing process, its social and economic impacts, and the different dimensions of the concept of active ageing.

Noting that international organizations such as the World Health Organization and the United Nations aim not only to extend life expectancy but also to improve quality of life for older individuals, Prof. Dr. Cevdet Yılmaz said:

“The population aged 60 and over is rapidly increasing worldwide, not only in developed countries but also in developing ones. Today, countries share a common goal: ensuring that this population lives longer, healthier, and more productive lives without losing their connection to society. Since the early 2000s, the World Health Organization and the United Nations have emphasized the concepts of ‘active ageing’ and ‘age-friendly societies’ in line with this goal. The aim is to enhance not only the lifespan but also the quality of life of older individuals.”

“The proportion of the elderly population in Türkiye is rising rapidly”

Providing information on population ageing, Prof. Dr. Cevdet Yılmaz stated:

“There are two main reasons for population ageing: the increase in the proportion of older individuals within the existing population due to declining fertility rates, and the extension of life expectancy. People are not only living longer; more individuals are also surviving to advanced ages. This situation is rapidly raising the average age of societies. From the perspective of working life, while 65 is generally considered the retirement age, the population aged 55 and over is also included in the ageing process in terms of productivity and social life. Global data present a clear picture. In 1950, 8 percent of the world’s population was aged 60 and over; this figure rose to 12 percent in 2014. By 2050, it is expected to reach 21 percent. Today, countries such as Japan, Italy, and Portugal are among those with the highest proportions of elderly populations. In response to this trend, many countries are required to develop new strategies to support active ageing. Türkiye is no exception to this process. The proportion of the elderly population within Türkiye’s total population has increased rapidly in recent years. While the overall population growth rate has remained limited over the past decade, the elderly population has grown much faster. According to United Nations criteria, countries where the proportion of the elderly population exceeds 8 percent are considered ‘ageing societies,’ and Türkiye has already surpassed this threshold.”

“The aim is to ensure that older individuals live independently and with dignity”

Emphasizing that population ageing creates various economic and social challenges, Prof. Dr. Yılmaz said:

“Population ageing is not only a demographic issue; it also has economic and social consequences. As labor force participation declines, pressure increases on pension systems, healthcare services, and social security mechanisms. In European countries, this process is highlighted as posing risks to public finances and potentially weakening intergenerational solidarity. Therefore, active ageing stands out as an issue that concerns not only older individuals but also the overall well-being of society. Active ageing aims to ensure that older individuals remain healthy, productive, and socially engaged for longer. This process is not limited to employment; voluntary activities, the transfer of knowledge and experience to younger generations, and participation in social and cultural life are also important components of this approach. The goal is to ensure that older individuals live independent and dignified lives.”

“A decline in social relationships increases the risk of loneliness and social isolation”

Stating that urban life can present certain challenges for older individuals due to crowding, noise, air pollution, and difficulties in accessing services, Dr. Yılmaz continued:

“Economic conditions, education level, and social environment shape the needs that emerge in old age, while women in particular may be in a more vulnerable position. With retirement, the reduction in social relationships increases the risk of loneliness and social isolation. On the other hand, the knowledge and life experience of older individuals constitute an important value for strengthening intergenerational ties. In this context, rural life offers significant opportunities for active ageing through its connection with nature, opportunities for productivity, and strong social solidarity structures. Rising living costs in cities are directing retirees toward simpler lifestyles, and rural living provides advantages in this respect. In the coming years, with the increase in the elderly population, the importance of age-friendly settlements and the concept of ‘ageing in place’ will grow further. If active ageing options offered to the elderly population are well managed through appropriate policies, pressure on public resources will be reduced. For these reasons, the active ageing process must be closely monitored, and the ageing population must not be allowed to drift away from productivity. If we do not want to wake up in the near future to the nightmare of a passive ageing population, we must carefully follow this process, produce policies that turn ageing into an opportunity, develop them, and implement them rapidly.”