1st International Congress on Family and Society Studies: Holistic Approaches to Aging considers aging not merely as an individual biological process, but as a broad theme of social transformation—spanning social relationships, healthcare systems, economic structures, legal policies, and cultural norms. The congress aims to comprehensively address the needs of older individuals not only from a care and health perspective but also in the context of social participation, human rights, disaster resilience, digital equality, and intergenerational relations.
Within this framework, the congress will explore multifaceted health services such as gerontological service models, palliative and home care systems, psychosocial support tailored for the elderly, chronic disease management, and spiritual guidance. It will also discuss social integration in the context of family structures, social relationships, age-friendly environments, and gender roles. Furthermore, institutional frameworks will be addressed in terms of elderly rights, ethical issues, social policies, and sustainable security systems. Key themes will include the vulnerabilities of older individuals during crises, disasters, and migration processes, as well as high-risk situations such as neglect, abuse, and bereavement.
Topics like active aging, third age tourism, lifelong education, access to digital technologies, and participatory citizenship will also be evaluated from a perspective that views old age not only as a phase of dependency but as a period rich with new opportunities.
In light of the designation of this year as the "Year of the Family" by the esteemed President of the Republic of Türkiye, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the congress will host a special session titled Family Special Panel. This session will offer a platform for interdisciplinary discussions on intrafamilial caregiving roles, intergenerational relationships, and mechanisms for addressing risks faced by families.
We cordially invite academics, practitioners, civil society representatives, and policymakers from all relevant fields—including social work, gerontology, psychology, nursing, sociology, law, urban planning, theology, health sciences, family counseling, education sciences, and more—to contribute with their original papers.
Tokat, one of the early centers of science and education in Anatolia, is home to Yağbasan Madrasah, established during the Danishmend era and considered one of Anatolia's first madrasah buildings. The city also boasts the Gök Madrasah, reflecting the elegance of the Seljuk era and embedding knowledge into stone through architecture. Today, Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University carries this rich heritage into the 21st century as a hub of knowledge and thought, preserving the tradition of wisdom that characterizes these ancient lands.
On the occasion of the 1st International Congress on Family and Society Studies: Holistic Approaches to Aging, we would be deeply honored to welcome you not only to a platform for academic exchange but also to a meaningful journey through the cultural memory of Tokat, where the spirit of knowledge from the past meets the academic vision of today.
Congress Chairs
Prof. Dr. Yusuf TEMUR
Dr. Burak ACAR
