Our Mission
Our department is committed to educating gerontologists who are sensitive to people, society, and nature; who understand their own role and that of their profession in social and educational development; who possess professional competence and ethical responsibility; who perceive continuous improvement as a way of life; who adopt scientific thinking and working methods; and who act with public interest in mind while maintaining a critical perspective.
Our Vision
To be a department that seeks solutions to the problems specific to aging and the elderly through the lens of universal values, is preferred at both national and international levels, and is sensitive to social changes with its innovative educational approach.
History of the Department
The Department of Gerontology was established by the decision of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) dated January 27, 2021, and has not yet admitted students. Gerontology is the science of aging and old age. It is a multidisciplinary field that seeks ways to intervene in the processes of aging. In today’s world, where the proportion of older adults in the total population continues to increase, it is well recognized that elderly individuals require not only medical care but also psychosocial support to maintain their independence and participation in social life. In this respect, Gerontology is a multidisciplinary, theoretical, and applied scientific discipline. The main objective of the Department of Gerontology is to train qualified gerontologists who can work in hospitals, nursing homes, physical therapy and rehabilitation centers, ministries (such as Health and Family & Social Services), elderly care centers, family counseling centers, day care centers, universities, research institutions, companies developing new services or products, non-governmental organizations, local governments, and home care services. Graduates are expected to act within ethical and legal frameworks, work effectively as part of a team, and fulfill their professional responsibilities competently. In addition, the department aims to contribute to the field of Gerontology at national and international levels through scientific and academic research. The population of Balıkesir Province is 1,228,620, of which 12% are aged 65 and over. Therefore, given both the demographic characteristics and the mission of the department, it is essential to meet the regional need for qualified gerontologists. The Gerontology Department of Balıkesir University aims to educate well-trained specialists to fulfill this need at both regional and national levels. To support its educational activities, the department is equipped with adequately sized classrooms (each 80 m²), one Basic Training Laboratory (200 m²), two Simulation Laboratories, and one Computer Laboratory. In accordance with the curriculum, students will complete practical training and internships not only at the Balıkesir University Health Application and Research Hospital but also at external institutions such as the Balıkesir Training and Research Hospital, Elderly Care Centers, Balıkesir State Hospital, and relevant units of the Provincial Directorates of Family, Labor and Social Services and Public Health.
Discover the history and objectives of Balıkesir University.
