Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) held a press conference within the scope of the “University of the Third Age / 60+ Senior Development” project launched for individuals who are 60 or over. The said project was designed in line with the vision of active and healthy aging. Taking place on Tuesday, 10 February 2026 at 03:00 p.m. at L’Apprenti Restaurant, the press conference featured EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç, Famagusta Mayor Dr. Süleyman Uluçay, Chair of the Association of Elderly Rights and Mental Health Prof. Dr. Hatice Jenkins and Project Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zehra Güçhan Topçu. Also present during the conference were, Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs; Prof. Dr. Sonuç Zorlu, Vice Rector for Student Affairs; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Süheyla Üçışık Erbilen and Assist. Prof. Dr. Asiye Güngör Başaran, Executive Board Members of the University of Third Age / 60+ Senior Development; Dr. Kenan Başaran, General Secretary of the Association of Elderly Rights and Mental Health; and Semral Erel, Assistant Chair of the said association.
“An Innovative Model Aiming to Support Active Engagement in Social Life”
Making remarks, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç emphasized the increasing importance of active and healthy aging as life expectancy continues to rise, and expressed his pleasure in launching the “University of the Third Age / Senior Development” project for individuals aged 60 and above, in cooperation with Famagusta Municipality and the Association for Elderly Rights and Mental Health. Highlighting that the project represents an innovative initiative designed to help older adults maintain and further develop their knowledge, competencies and talents, Prof. Dr. Kılıç noted that it also seeks to encourage their active engagement in social life through a lifelong learning perspective. He stated that, in alignment with the university’s mission and vision, the initiative will be implemented as a volunteer-based social responsibility project and aspires to serve as a model university program for older adults in Cyprus. Prof. Dr. Kılıç also expressed his appreciation to Famagusta Municipality, the Association for Elderly Rights and Mental Health, and the university’s academic staff for their valuable contributions, reaffirming his belief that learning and growth remain possible at every age.
“A High-Quality, Innovative and Inclusive Educational Model”
In her address, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zehra Güçhan Topçu, Project Coordinator of the University of Third Age / Senior Development, expressed her enthusiasm for introducing a project of significant social value to be launched under the auspices of EMU. Noting that the 60+ University of Senior Development— also known as the University of the Third Age — has been carefully developed over the past year, she emphasized that the initiative goes beyond being a conventional education program and stands as a powerful volunteer-driven social responsibility project promoting active, productive and high-quality aging. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zehra Güçhan Topçu noted that the University of the Third Age has been structured to support individuals aged 60 and over in maintaining and enhancing their knowledge, skills and life experience, while also providing opportunities for acquiring new competencies. She reminded the audience that comparable educational models are widely and actively implemented in many countries worldwide. Stressing that learning is not confined to any age, she described lifelong learning as a continuous journey that enriches and strengthens individuals at every phase of life and fosters their active engagement in society. She further stated that the program has been designed as a high-quality, innovative and inclusive educational model aligned with EMU’s mission, vision and core principles. Adding further details, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Topçu explained that the education will last four years, consisting of eight semesters, with participants required to enroll in at least three courses per semester.
“University is carried a Step Forward with Each Passing Day”
In his speech, Famagusta Mayor Dr. Süleyman Uluçay expressed his pleasure on gathering for such a meaningful and special project. Underscoring that EMU is the most important higher education institution in the country, Dr. Uluçay stated that the university is being carried a step forward with each passing day under the vision and dedicated leadership of EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç. Noting that important and impactful collaborations have recently been established among the university, civil society organizations and the municipality, Dr. Uluçay reminded that the partnership between Famagusta Municipality and EMU was initiated through a main protocol signed during the tenure of the former Chair of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Erdal Özcenk. Thanking all those who contributed to the implementation of the project, Dr. Uluçay emphasized that the University of the Third Age / Senior Development represents a highly valuable initiative for EMU, the city of Famagusta and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and expressed his firm confidence in its success.
“A Remarkable Example of Local Government, University and Civil Society Collaboration”
In her remarks, Chair of the Association for Elderly Rights and Mental Health, Prof. Dr. Hatice Jenkins, underlined that individuals aged 60 and above should be recognized not simply as a group requiring protection, but as active members of society who have the right to continue learning, producing and participating fully in social life. She stated that the association embarked on this initiative guided by this perspective, explaining that the “60+ University of the Third Age and Senior Development” was introduced as a social responsibility project in cooperation with EMU to serve older adults residing in the region. Prof. Dr. Jenkins further noted that the project has come to life through the support of Famagusta Mayor Dr. Süleyman Uluçay and EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç, along with the dedicated efforts of Project Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zehra Güçhan Topçu. She emphasized that EMU’s 60+ University of the Third Age and Senior Development stands as a powerful illustration of the meaningful and sustainable outcomes that can be achieved through collaboration among local authorities, universities and civil society organizations.
University of the Third Age / Senior Development Spring Semester Calendar
The University of the Third Age / Senior Development will operate in accordance with the academic calendar set for the 2025–2026 Spring Semester. Within the scope of the program, registration procedures will be carried out on 16–17 February 2026, and courses will commence on 3 March 2026. Following the mid-term break to be observed between 10 and 25 April 2026, classes will resume as of 28 April 2026. The final day of instruction for the Spring Semester will be 11 June 2026.
Application period for the said program will end on 17 February 2026. Those wishing to obtain additional information regarding the program or to submit applications may contact +90 392 630 24 96 and 630 3909, or visit https://tazelenme.emu.edu.tr/tr web address.
