The 60 + Tazelenme University in action: “Projects That Serve Your Hearts" during corona virus epidemics

Abstract

Thanks to improved living conditions and medical intervention opportunities number of older people is rapidly increasing recently. With the critical structural changes, old age became severed from the profession, feminization, singularization, and impoverished. It is, therefore, crucial to keep this group active and happy to maintain individual and social well-being. 60+ Tazelenme University, the first third-age university of Turkey supports literate older people with third-age education and social support networks. COVID-19 pandemic caused many difficulties threatening the freedom and well-being of older people. 60+ Tazelenme University aims to produce life-saving projects with the understanding of "stay at home but do not stay passive". The purpose of this article is to introduce these projects. Projects such as Fresh Khizir, Fresh English, Fresh Food, Fresh Phone Chain, Fresh Knitting, Fresh Corona Diary, Fresh-Cocoons, Fresh Buddies, ensure that the older people who are at home under COVID-19 restrictions remain active. These projects inspire new concepts to support normalization in the post-pandemic period.