Born in Istanbul on May 31, 1935, Tanör graduated from Bursa Girls’ High School in 1954 and always aimed to go to medical school because her mother and father were doctors. However, upon his family’s insistence, Tanör graduated from Istanbul University Faculty of Law in 1959 and started working as an assistant in the “Constitutional Law” department. He studied at Columbia University for a year with a state scholarship.
As soon as he returned to the country, Tanör could not study at the medical faculty he always dreamed of, so he turned to the field of psychology. Tanör, who entered Istanbul University, Faculty of Letters, Department of Psychology, worked as an assistant in the “General Psychology” department in 1969. Tanör, who started the “Doctorate in Medical Sciences” program opened for psychologists by Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, graduated from here in 1981 with his doctoral thesis titled “The Effect of Anxiety on Learning and Memory”.
Tanör founded the first neuropsychology laboratory in Turkey in 1984 and the Turkish Neuropsychology Association in 2008.
PROVIDES ONLINE MASTER’S COURSES
Prof. Dr. Tanör explained the formula for maintaining his mental and physical health even though he is nearly 90 years old, at the Elderly Week.
Providing information about his field of expertise, neuropsychology, Tanör said, “The neurologist, psychiatrist and surgeon send us the patient about whom they hesitate to make a decision. For example, ‘Is this patient forgetful just because he is depressed or is Alzheimer’s starting?’ “The patient is referred to us, neuropsychologists, to answer questions such as these. We help the doctor diagnose the patient by making neuropsychological evaluations,” he said.
Prof. Dr. Tanör noted that despite his advanced age, he still works as a neuropsychologist in a private clinic, provides rehabilitation to aphasia patients suffering from speech disorders once a week, and teaches an online master’s degree course on this disease at a private university.
“IT IS NECESSARY TO EXERCISE THE BRAIN TO STAY FINE”
Explaining that he works three days a week, Tanör said, “I live in Cihangir, and since there is no elevator in the building, I have to go up and down 5 floors. I walk for about an hour to the private clinic where I work in Teşvikiye. Sometimes I prefer the metro. Since I have difficulty finding a taxi, I have to walk.” “I take the tram to go to the university in Çapa. I also use public transportation frequently. I also do pilates once a week.” he said.
Prof. Dr. Tanör pointed out that staying vigorous in old age depends on many factors and continued as follows:
“Genetics is very important, but it is also important to learn new things, that is, to exercise the brain. Because there is cell loss in the brain due to aging, which starts after the age of 25. Since brain cells die, their weight decreases with age. However, as you learn something new, networks are formed between brain cells. What “The more networks you have formed, that is, the more you exercise, the less your brain loses cells. Your conscious activity can continue with the same sharpness as when you were young. Doing actions such as reading a lot and learning new things when you are young leaves a sharper mind in old age.”
“THE MORE ACTIVE YOU ARE, THE BETTER LIFE IS WAITING FOR YOU”
Emphasizing that solving puzzles and trying to learn a new language in old age is very useful, Tanör said that he also speaks three languages: English, French and Spanish.
Prof. Dr. Explaining that some people withdraw from life after a certain age, Tanör said, “I absolutely do not accept this. The more active you are, the better life awaits you. When it comes to nutrition, I do not eat too much, I try to follow the Mediterranean diet as much as I can. 3 meals a day.” But I eat little by little.” he said.
“IT IS NECESSARY TO KEEP THE BRAIN ACTIVE LIKE THE BODY”
Underlining that there is a serious difference between the elderly in Europe and Turkey, Tanör mentioned that the most important reason for this is the culture of “Oh mom, you sit down and we will do it”.
Prof. Dr. Tanör stated that this culture does not exist in Europe, where everyone does their own job, and said, “There is a proverb in Turkish, ‘Iron that works shines.’ This was said as a result of years of experience.” said.
Addressing young people, Tanör said, “If you want to have a fit old age as much as possible, always try to learn new things. It is necessary to keep the brain active as well as the body. I also recommend young people to have a profession in a field that they are passionate about, not what their parents recommend. ” He said his words.
(AA)