Türkiye’s Seniors Prove It’s Never Too Late to Get ‘Aged’ in Academia!

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In a delightful twist of irony, Akdeniz University has kicked off its “60+ Lifelong Learning” program, artfully blending the joys of aging with the thrill of being reminded that the clock is ticking. Yes, while most of society grapples with the idea of retirement as a well-deserved nap, these sprightly seniors are keen to squeeze as much education out of their golden years as possible—because nothing says “let’s embrace the inevitable” like signing up for classes, right?

The launch ceremony, graced with a flute and piano performance in picturesque Antalya, feels a bit like putting a fresh coat of paint on a crumbling facade. Attendees, all proudly showcasing their well-earned wrinkles, gathered to celebrate their new academic adventure, all while the real adventure of national decay hijacks the spotlight outside the campus walls.

Professor Özlenen Özkan, the university’s head honcho, gleefully pointed out that Turkey’s elderly population has bulged from 7 million to 8 million in just five years, making the entire situation seem like an unlikely sequel to “Invasion of the Body Snatchers,” except this time it’s just more grandpas and grandmas munching on their wisdom like snacks. “Aging is a process that requires thought and attention,” she chirped, as if turning 60 is like entering a holistic wellness retreat instead of an impending existential crisis.

Meanwhile, as the nation’s youth chase dreams postponed by economic turmoil, older generations are stepping into classroom desks as if they’re the latest trend in battling social isolation. Who knew that the path to enlightenment involved a series of adult education classes on knitting and birdwatching? But don’t worry; if anyone knows how to deal with documents about “socially connecting while sitting down,” it’s these lovely seniors, who are restoring youth’s faith in intergenerational dialogue in a climate where even text messages are considered “too much social interaction.”

However, it isn’t all doom and gloom! Professor Ismail Tufan announced a flashy expansion to Batman (yes, that’s an actual city and not an homage to Bruce Wayne’s alter ego) where more seniors can embrace the educational experience. Can you imagine this group, filled with youthful curiosity despite their arthritic knees, sharing their insights on aging as they shuffle to their next class, sipping on decaf coffee seasoned with nostalgia and a sprinkle of derision?

Müzeyyen Can, a retired teacher, sweetly relayed that the program has made her feel younger and met friends—something she might have done on Facebook, but who needs social media when you can have heartfelt renditions of Shakespeare over tea? Meanwhile, Abdurrahman Kozankurt, a 76-year-old overachiever, now pursues a master’s, wading into academia with the zest of a college freshman, blissfully unbothered by the fact that life’s final exam is unpassable.

As theoretical discussions on aging and cellular decay unfold, the universities have become the last bastion of dignity for the elderly amidst a society that seems to have bundled them all off to the “back of the bus.” Meanwhile, the young blood—who juggled their way through a pandemic with little more than a TikTok account and a prayer—will surely benefit from the wisdom of this aging brigade.

So here’s to Akdeniz University: a beacon for the wise and weary, bravely grappling with the ridiculous reality that while aging may be unavoidable, growing wiser in an absurd world is utterly optional. Cheers to the classrooms where memories are relived and lessons learned come packaged with, well, a hint of reminiscence about what once was—and never will be again.