The Social Solidarity of Aging Population Under the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Case of Mugla Tazelenme University (TAU)

Year 2025, Volume: 8 Issue: 1, 1 - 20, 29.12.2025

Muammer Tuna , Merve Mutlu

https://doi.org/10.51819/jaltc.2025.1597886

Abstract

COVID-19 appeared in China in November 2019, swiftly spread worldwide, and was defined as a “Global Pandemic” by the World Health Organization in early 2020. Accordingly, the world as it was known changed considerably, and much has been redefined. The older population significantly has been negatively affected by the social and psychological impact of the pandemic, experiencing feelings of “abandonment,” “loneliness,” and of being “enclosed.” In response, older adults need social and psychological support and solidarity. Accordingly, the Mugla Tazelenme University (TAU), Türkiye established a distance education model via the Internet using social media platforms that provided “virtual social solidarity” to students aged 60 years or over (60+). Sociological field research was then conducted to evaluate the impact of this “virtual social solidarity.” According to the study’s findings, the distance education model employed by Mugla TAU provided social and psychological support and solidarity to minimize the negative impacts of the pandemic. Mugla TAU (Tazelenme University) is a voluntary, informal, non-degree third-age education model; the participation principle of the program is based upon volunteering. The model aims to provide active aging programs to 60+ age groups. The programs include mental and physical activities. Furthermore, this “virtual social solidarity” contributes to the older population’s general well-being.

Keywords

COVID-19 Pandemic , Enclosed , Virtual Society , Virtual Social Solidarity , Third Age Education

Ethical Statement

The research proposal that based upon this paper is reviewed and approved by Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University Ethical Committee. (Approval Date: 22.02.2021, Number:72)

Supporting Institution

Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University Research Fund.

Project Number

21/122/02/5)

Thanks

Acknowledgement: The research that based upon this paper is supported by Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University Research Fund. (Approval date: 07.05.2021, Number: 21/122/02/5) Therefore, special thanks to the Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University Research Fund, all research participants and my graduate student Ahmet Öztürk to help me collect data.

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