World Elderly Day Message from Minister Göktaş

Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş celebrated World Elderly Day.

Minister Göktaş shared a post on his NSosyal account on the occasion of "October 1, World Elderly Day".

Minister Göktaş stated that in Turkish culture, elders are the centerpiece of the table, and the elders of the family are the compass and pole star, and said, "As much as we need their experiences and blessings, they also need a phone call and a kind word from us. Let's call, visit, and chat with our plane trees today. Let's not forget our elders at home and in care centers. Happy October 1st World Elderly Day." he said.

Minister Göktaş, who included a video message in his post, said:

"Imagine that your phone never rings, you don't talk to anyone, your door is never opened for a day. According to a study conducted in England, approximately 270 thousand people over the age of 65 do not communicate with anyone for a week. However, in our culture, being together, meeting around a table and chatting have a valuable place. These bonds, which we need at every period of our lives, become more meaningful as we get older. I would also like to share my personal observation on this subject. So far, we have visited our elderly both in elderly care centers and in their homes. "I noticed something during these visits. A phone call or a short visit, which seems small to us, has a much bigger meaning for them."

"1.8 million citizens over the age of 65 live alone"

Pointing out that 1.8 million citizens over the age of 65 live alone in Türkiye today, Minister Göktaş said:

"Maybe they just need a little smile from you, a phone call or a chat. Of course, we have many support activities for our elderly. Among all these services, we receive the most heart-touching feedback in the moments when we sit together, chat, kiss their hands and commiserate. Let's call our elderly people today, visit them, have a cup of tea and chat together."