Saadet Berna, 94, Turkey

Born in the city of Eskişehir on 30 September 1918, Saadet Berna is both physically and mentally healthy, fit and dynamic. Her bright eyes exude rays of intelligence and creativity. She has purposeful dreams for the future and concerns for the society she lives in. She particularly likes talking to young people.

Saadet Berna graduated from İstanbul Çapa Teaching School in 1937 with high honours and worked in various parts of Turkey, serving as a teacher and senior deputy principal. Her official working life lasted for 41 years. After retirement, she served as the Second Chairperson of the Turkish Atlantic Council. Currently, she is an advisor and auditor of the Council, and has also been involved in programme development activities and the writing of textbooks with the Board of Education of the Ministry of National Education.

Exuberance and commitment

When Saadet Berna opened the door to her home in Ankara, we were immediately impressed by this cosy and warm place with orange curtains and a large library. Her computer was lit. We knew that when at home she usually spends her time working at the computer. With blue eyes beaming, and hair neatly parted in the middle, she welcomed us with surprising energy and enthusiasm. Her nails were polished a cute green colour and her clothing was elegant. Finding her at home is normally not so easy, as she is often at social gatherings or conferences organized by various institutions.

Saadet Berna is a careful eater and always showers in cold water. Hypertension is her only chronic condition. Her joy and commitment to life were gained the hard way: “First, I lost my daughter when she was a university student and then my husband. I rediscovered the value of human beings once I saw how life could end so easily. Every human being has unique abilities, just like they have a unique face. We have to share these abilities with life itself. There are so many things that I want to learn and share with others. That is why I am so committed to life.”

She says: “Socrates advised his students that administrators need wisdom rather than knowledge, that they should be honest and attentive to others’ concerns and not selfish. This continues to be the formula for life and our time.”

Interview by Prof. Dr. Şengül Hablemitoğlu and Prof. Dr. Emine Özmete, Ankara University Center on Aging Studies