Towards a Successful Aging Lecture at Beirut Arab University A

The Faculty of Science at Beirut Arab University – Tripoli Branch – organized a scientific lecture entitled “Towards a Successful Aging”, which was held on the 2nd of March 2016, and was attended by Dr. Mostafa Helwa, representing Minister Mohamed Safadi; Dr. Ghazi Tadmory, representing the President of Jinan University; Mr. Edgar Harb, Director of Public Relations at the Notre Dame University; Prof. Khaled Baghdadi, BAU Vice President for Tripoli Branch Affairs; Mr. Mohamed Hammoud, Deputy Secretary General for Tripoli Branch Affairs; Dr. Mohamed Houri, Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Medicine; Mr. Ahmed Sankari, Branch Coordinator, directors of faculties and a crowd of interested people from the civil society, staff-members and students.
The event was opened by Prof. Khaled Baghdadi who welcomed the guests, reiterating that the University seeks – through this activity – to raise the awareness of the youth on how to enjoy good health and age successfully and happily.
The lecture included a talk in which Associate Professor, Dr. Nessrine Bisar Tadmori, at the Faculty of Science, explained the concept of old age and the cellular causes for it. She also presented international statistics on aging rates, highlighting that Lebanon comes first among the Arab countries in terms of the percentage of elderly people, which have exceeded 10% of the population. The statistics also indicated a gradual increase in the rates of aging over the years in all countries, as stated in the WHO reports, due to the constant progress in health care.



Dr. Abdel Razzak Abyad, then, presented the factors conducive to a successful aging process, such as leading a healthy life that includes balanced nutrition and refraining from smoking and drinking, as well as exercising, adopting hobbies and getting involved in the society. All these delay the appearance of physiological signs of aging and accompanying ailments. He also stressed upon the fact that old age does not correlate with a particular age, since physically, intellectually and socially active people usually attain old age while still enjoying good health. 
The lecture included the presentation of a play inspired by the event. The play, entitled “Iftikar and Najeeb”, was written and directed by Nour Sabouna, superintendent of the Drama Club – Students’ Activities in Tripoli. Further, an exhibition inspired by the event was opened, including educational and scientific projects prepared by the students of the Biology and Biochemistry Departments.
The event closed with a cocktail party, presented by Nutri Diet, and prizes (presented by Dar El Shifa Hospital) were distributed to the students partaking in the competition.