Dear Colleagues,

Demographic developments now force us to be interested in the realities of old age and living conditions of old people more than the past. There is not any social situation which is not affected by these developments, so no scientific field should fall outside these developments. 

The number of people who have psychic and psychiatric illness in old age has been increasing because of demographic aging. Excluded and isolated individuals among old people are a reality of Turkey. We should debate on the issues which have been increasing among old people, despite being taboos, including alcohol, drug addiction and suicide. Especially, care dependency in old age, and violence, negligence and abuse of the elderly are important issues which should be included in the agenda of Turkey. Besides disabled elderly, conditions of disabled people who are in the process of aging are an alarming for future. In addition to this, while trying to solve the problems of elderly women, precautions should be taken in advance so that young women do not have the same destiny as their grandmothers.      

While national and international effects of demographic aging are becoming more and more obvious, a great need has arisen for studies conducted within disciplines as well as those carried out in an interdisciplinary fashion.  

International Social and Applied Symposium in Turkey has been held twice in Antalya to reveal the effects of demographic developments and to contribute to their prevention. These symposiums, in which the effects of the realities of old age and aging on society were debated, have gained interest and appreciation.

We have completed preparations to keep our promise about holding the 3^rd Symposium and have also determined the dates and the venue. Taking this opportunity, it is a great pleasure and honor for me to invite you to the The Third International Symposium on Social and Applied Gerontology in Turkey, the opening speech of which will be made by Prof. Gloria M. Gutman, who is the former president of International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics (IAGG), organized by Akdeniz University Department of Gerontology between April 16-18th 2008 in Antalya – Turkey .

We look forward to meeting at this scientific and social gathering in Antalya.

Sincerely,

Assoc. Prof. İsmail Tufan

Symposium Coordinator

Chair, Department of Gerontology, Akdeniz University