Message From The Founder

Dear Friends,
As I reflect on the journey that brought B4AFC to life, I’m reminded of one profound truth: life teaches us many things, but it often leaves us unprepared for the realities of aging—both our own and that of our loved ones. This realization didn’t come to me in a classroom or through textbooks, but in the quiet, challenging moments of caring for my aging parents.
We go through life accumulating knowledge and skills, yet when it comes to dealing with the complexities of aging, many of us are caught off guard. I found myself facing difficult questions: How do we provide the best care for our elderly loved ones? How do we ensure they live with dignity and joy in a world that is not always equipped to meet their needs?
These weren’t just my questions—they were the same concerns voiced by friends, colleagues, and countless others in our communities. We were all navigating a fragmented system, searching for solutions that were not readily available. It became clear that something needed to change, not just for us, but for society as a whole.
This realization came against the backdrop of a global phenomenon that has been described as an “age quake”—a seismic shift in demographics where the aging population is rapidly increasing. Today, over 1.1 billion people worldwide are aged 60 and over, a number expected to double by 2050. This massive demographic change presents profound challenges and opportunities that society is not fully prepared to address.
Driven by this awareness, we knew we had to take action. Through a combination of personal experience, extensive research, and participation in various entrepreneurship programs, the idea for B4AFC began to take shape. Our mission became clear: to build inclusive communities that truly support and celebrate aging, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age, can live with dignity, independence, and purpose.
B4AFC is more than just a social enterprise—it is a commitment to change. As we’ve developed our approach, we’ve learned the critical importance of what is now being recognized as the silver economy—an economic system that caters to the needs of older adults, providing products, services, and infrastructure designed to support healthy, active aging. We believe that tapping into the potential of the silver economy is not just good for business; it’s essential for creating a society where aging is embraced and supported.
Part of this commitment involves the standardization and sharing of information about age-friendly places. We need to ensure that older adults and their families have access to reliable, consistent information about environments that meet their needs. This includes everything from accommodations and public spaces to healthcare facilities and community services. By setting standards and promoting transparency, we can create a network of age-friendly spaces that empower older adults to live fully and independently.
Furthermore, B4AFC aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focusing on reducing inequalities, promoting good health and well-being, and building sustainable cities and communities. Our work directly contributes to creating inclusive environments where every individual, regardless of age, is supported and valued.
Our journey has been one of collaboration and growth. The knowledge and skills we’ve gained through programs like the Ataşehir Women’s Entrepreneurship Center, the KAGİDER Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program, and the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs have been invaluable. We are proud to have earned the Social Enterprise Certificate from KUSIF, and our collaboration with Impact Hub Istanbul has further strengthened our ability to innovate and make a difference.
B4AFC is strategically located at the Acıbadem University Technology Center, where science and technology converge to drive innovation. This location has provided us with access to cutting-edge resources and a vibrant community of forward-thinkers, enabling us to continuously develop new ways to address the challenges of aging in today’s world.
None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support and guidance of our Advisory Committee and all our supporters. Your insights, mentorship, and belief in our mission have been instrumental in shaping B4AFC into the impactful social enterprise it is today. We are deeply grateful for your continued support as we work together to address the global challenges of aging.
As we move forward, I invite you to join us on this journey. Whether you are an individual, a business, an NGO, a governmental organization, or a municipality, your involvement can make a meaningful impact. Together, we can build a world where aging is not just accepted, but celebrated—where the silver economy thrives, where inclusivity is the norm, and where every person, at every stage of life, can live with dignity.
Thank you for your commitment to this vital cause.
Warm regards,
Fatma Akgün