The effect of GeroAtlas60+ Refresher University in preserving individual and community health

GeroAtlas60 + Refresher University is Turkey’s first university for older adults based on theoretical assumptions and concepts. The University was founded as a response from the field of gerontology to support modern society’s expectation for longer and healthier lives. If the quality of life is defined as older adults’ feeling good about themselves in old age or until the end of their lives despite their physical, psychological, and social problems, one of the first questions that arise is how to provide this quality of life. GeroAtlas60 + Refresher University is a gerontological approach to this objective using a ‘lifelong learning’ model. The two-dimensional theoretical and practical curriculum provides older adults with knowledge related to their needs and also helps both genders to acquire new skills and competencies such as participation in cooking and knitting courses by males and study of home improvement and Do-it-Yourself (DIY) home repair and maintenance courses by females. Activating older adults’ knowledge and skills in the mental, physical, and social realms offers the potential for enhancing the quality of life outcomes.