Manisa Metropolitan Municipality is committed to promoting the well-being, dignity, and active participation of older adults across the city. According to 2019 data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), Manisa was the city with the oldest population in the country at that time. Recognizing the increasing needs of an aging population, the municipality provides a range of social and health services designed to support older residents in their daily lives and to strengthen their connection to the community.
Current services include home care, hot meal delivery, and food aid packages for older citizens in need. The municipality also distributes “Ben Buradayım” (I Am Here) wristbands for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, helping ensure their safety and rapid identification. Public transportation is free of charge for people aged 65 and above, ensuring mobility and social inclusion.
Manisa works collaboratively with the Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services and non-governmental organizations to implement and expand these services efficiently. Home visits, community consultations, and feedback mechanisms allow older adults to express their needs and participate in service planning.
In addition to age-focused programs, the municipality promotes intergenerational solidarity through initiatives such as the “Welcome Baby” package, free transportation for mothers via the AnneKart (MotherCard), and public daycare centers, aiming to create a socially cohesive and inclusive city for all ages.
These are the reasons that Manisa view its membership to WHO Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities as an opportunity to further strengthen its strategies, share best practices, and continuously improve the quality of life for its older residents.