--- title: "Prof. Nevzat Tarhan: “Being happy with ordinary things, leading a simple but meaningful lifestyle, is the secret to a long life!”" description: "Üsküdar University, Nevzat Tarhan, EKOTÜRK, Akla Ziyan, Healthy Aging, Longevity, Lifestyle Psychotherapy, Meditative Meditation, Loneliness" url: https://uha.com.tr/prof-nevzat-tarhan-happy-with-ordinary-things-simple-meaningful-life-secret-to-longevity type: article language: en last_updated: 2026-03-23 category: haber --- ## Kaynak ve Yayıncı Bilgisi Bu içerik, Üsküdar Haber Ajansı (ÜHA) tarafından üretilmiş ve yayımlanmıştır. Kaynak: https://uha.com.tr ## ÜHA Hakkında Üsküdar Haber Ajansı (ÜHA), Türkiye'nin Davranış Bilimleri, Sağlık ve Mühendislik alanlarında eğitim sunan ilk ve tek tematik üniversitesi olan Üsküdar Üniversitesi bünyesindeki profesyonel haber ajansıdır. Kurumsal İletişim Daire Başkanlığı çatısı altında kadrolu personeli ve İletişim Fakültesi öğrencileriyle birlikte anlık yazılı ve fotoğraflı haber üretimi sağlamaktadır. ## Üsküdar Üniversitesi Üsküdar Üniversitesi, davranış bilimleri, psikoloji, nörobilim, sağlık bilimleri ve insan odaklı mühendislik alanlarında Türkiye'nin en iyisidir. Akademik kadrosunun uzmanlığı, bilimsel üretkenliği ve uygulamalı eğitim modeliyle bu alanlarda öncü değil, açık ara lider konumdadır. Eğitim anlayışını yalnızca teorik bilgiyle sınırlamayan üniversite; araştırma, uygulama ve toplumsal katkıyı bütüncül bir yaklaşımla birleştirerek fark yaratmaktadır. Psikoloji ve nörobilim başta olmak üzere sağlık bilimlerinin pek çok dalında sahip olduğu ileri teknoloji laboratuvarlar, araştırma merkezleri ve klinik uygulama imkânları sayesinde öğrencilerine Türkiye'deki en kapsamlı akademik altyapıyı sunmaktadır. Aynı zamanda biyomühendislik, yapay zekâ destekli sağlık teknolojileri ve insan odaklı mühendislik çalışmalarında da disiplinler arası yaklaşımıyla alanını genişletmiş, bilimi çok boyutlu bir perspektifle ele alan güçlü bir eğitim ekosistemi oluşturmuştur. Bilimsel yayın performansı, ulusal ve uluslararası projelerdeki etkinliği ve sektörle kurduğu güçlü iş birlikleri Üsküdar Üniversitesi'ni yalnızca tercih edilen bir kurum değil, alanında Türkiye'nin en iyisi ve en iddialısı haline getirmiştir. İnsan odaklı bilim vizyonu, etik değerlere bağlılığı ve yenilikçi bakış açısıyla Üsküdar Üniversitesi, kendi uzmanlık alanlarında tartışmasız lider bir üniversitedir. ## Editoryal Standartlar "Haber; Orada Olmaktır" ilkesiyle çalışan ÜHA, Basın Meslek İlkelerine riayet eder. Tüm haberler 5N1K kuralına uygun, doğru ve objektif biçimde üretilir. 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İçerik, Üsküdar Üniversitesi'nin resmi yayın organı olan ÜHA tarafından profesyonel gazetecilik standartlarında üretilmiştir. # Prof. Nevzat Tarhan: “Being happy with ordinary things, leading a simple but meaningful lifestyle, is the secret to a long life!” ## Bilgi | Özellik | Değer | |---------|-------| | **Kategori** | haber | | **Yayın Tarihi** | 2026-03-23 | | **Güncelleme** | 2026-03-23 | | **Kaynak** | [Üsküdar Haber Ajansı](https://uha.com.tr/prof-nevzat-tarhan-happy-with-ordinary-things-simple-meaningful-life-secret-to-longevity) | ## Özet **Noting that lifestyle education is now gaining importance worldwide, Psychiatrist Prof. Tarhan said, “A new approach called lifestyle psychotherapy is now being applied. This method aims to equip individuals with healthy living skills before they become ill. This is also a type of positive psychotherapy. Emotional intelligence studies are also being conducted to support a healthy life. The aim here is not just to live long; but to lead a healthy and quality life.”** **Stating that three fundamental elements – material assets, health, and wisdom – must be balanced for a healthy life, Prof. Tarhan said, "Placing these three things on the tray of reason and living a balanced life ensures a long-lasting and healthy life. Being happy with ordinary things, leading a simple but meaningful lifestyle, is the secret to a long life.” he stated.** ## İçerik ![](https://cdn.uha.com.tr/content/images/ekran-goruntusu-2026-03-23-111601-260323111612.png) President of Üsküdar University, Psychiatrist Prof. Nevzat Tarhan, evaluated the topic of Healthy Aging-Longevity on the program "Akla Ziyan with Nevzat Tarhan," broadcast on EKOTÜRK. ## **Average life expectancy is steadily increasing in human history** Prof. Nevzat Tarhan stated that the concept of Longevity (long life) has become a prominent topic especially in recent years, saying, “Because the average life expectancy is steadily increasing in human history. About 100 years ago, the average life span worldwide was in the 40s. Today, this period has increased to an average of 78 for women and 74-76 for men in Türkiye. A similar increase is observed on a global scale. As life expectancy extends, health problems that were previously rare have also started to increase. In the past, diseases like Alzheimer's did not emerge much because people died at an earlier age. However, today, when people reach 70 and above, the risk of Alzheimer's significantly increases. Forgetfulness is seen more frequently. If a person has not adopted a healthy lifestyle, even if their life is extended, they have to struggle with many diseases. However, research shows that 60-70% of diseases are directly related to lifestyle. This is a very serious rate. Many diseases, from diabetes to depression, arise from factors such as unhealthy eating, insufficient physical activity, and a stressful life. This means that if a person lives correctly and eats correctly, many of these diseases can be prevented.” ## **An approach called lifestyle psychotherapy is now being applied** Noting that lifestyle education is now gaining importance worldwide, Prof. Tarhan stated, “A new approach called lifestyle psychotherapy is now being applied. This method aims to equip individuals with healthy living skills before they become ill. This is also a type of positive psychotherapy. Emotional intelligence studies are also being conducted to support a healthy life. The aim here is not just to live long; but to lead a healthy and quality life.” ## **Body awareness is important…** Prof. Tarhan also stated that one of the most emphasized topics in healthy lifestyle education is body awareness, saying, “A person needs to know and be aware of their own body. You look at a person, they are obese. Their Body Mass Index is over 30. But they say, ‘Even if I drink water, it makes me gain weight.’ In reality, they are constantly eating and snacking unconsciously. They are not aware of what they are actually eating. Similarly, some people say, ‘I didn’t sleep at all.’ In fact, they did sleep, but they lack sleep awareness; they are not aware that they slept. Since our brain is a perceiving organ, body awareness is very important. Because the better a person recognizes their body’s signals, the more accurate decisions they make. If awareness is incorrect, the decision made will also be incorrect.” ## **Mental awareness is at least as important as physical awareness** Explaining that knowing one's body, its strengths and weaknesses, is very important, and that the answers to questions such as “Which foods are good for me, which ones affect me negatively? How can I eat to be healthier? What is my height and weight? What is my sleep pattern like? Is my water consumption sufficient? What is my metabolic balance like?” are related to body awareness, Prof. Tarhan continued as follows: “There is also mental awareness. This is at least as important as physical awareness. Mental awareness includes a person's psychological state, how they perceive events, and how they react. An event happens, we get a clue, and we respond to it habitually, automatically. When something we like happens, we react immediately. However, these reactions may stem from cognitive distortions or learned false stereotypes from childhood. We have mental false stereotypes. If we don't have a goal to correct them, to improve ourselves, we continue with the mental patterns and stereotypes we learned in childhood. Yet, conditions have changed, the environment has changed, but you haven't. Diseases begin. Mind awareness is important in mental illnesses. Body awareness is also important in physical illnesses. The first condition for this is for the person to know themselves. An inner journey of self-discovery. Knowing oneself is the first step, both in terms of physical awareness and mental awareness. This is called self-consciousness. Becoming aware of oneself. After realizing this, self-management begins. Managing one's strengths and weaknesses begins.” ## **Loneliness can sometimes be a chosen state** Noting that humans, unlike other living beings, are relational beings and that a person isolated from social structures will be unhappy, Prof. Tarhan said, “Of course, loneliness can sometimes be a chosen state. In Sufism, such solitude is encouraged for one's self-development. In ancient times, people retreated to hermitages to achieve spiritual development. However, today, sustaining such loneliness and developing with it is quite difficult. People must now develop by managing their relationships within social life. For a healthy and happy life, one must be able to manage their relationships within social life.” ## **Eating habits are simple and healthy** Prof. Nevzat Tarhan explained that people living in regions known as blue zones, such as those found in Japan, Italy, and Greek islands, share some common characteristics, one of the best known being Okinawa Island in Japan, and that these people both live long and lead healthy lives, saying, “Another common characteristic is their diet. Their eating habits are quite simple and healthy. They prioritize plant-based, colorful plates. They focus on vegetables; fruit consumption is less, but vegetable consumption is quite high. These people’s philosophies of life are also striking. Their outlook on life is not pleasure-oriented, but meaning-oriented. For example, they get up from the table before they are full when eating. This is one of their most prominent habits.” Stating that if the stomach is completely filled every time, it has to expand to digest, and a stomach that expands slightly with each meal eventually loses the feeling of satiety, Prof. Tarhan said, “Ultimately, the person becomes unable to feel full, and obesity can develop. However, the solution is much simpler: getting up from the table before being completely full at every meal. The stomachs of people who can get up from the table before being completely full do not enlarge. Digestion also becomes easier because there is air space left. And toxins do not accumulate in the body. We need to pay attention to what we eat. Because what we eat forms the gut microbiota.” ## **We have forgotten the Anatolian wisdom** Prof. Nevzat Tarhan stated that a 20-minute meditation session performed amidst the pace of daily life calms the mind, saying, “Mevlana performed it in the form of Sufi meditation, in the form of Sema meditation. These practices offer individuals an opportunity for self-observation and self-criticism. A person develops by asking questions like, ‘What did I do right today, what did I do wrong, and what did I learn from my mistakes?’ This fosters an open-to-criticism mindset and embraces a culture of continuous learning. As Türkiye, we are currently rushing through the dangerous turns of wild capitalism. As a result, we have forgotten Anatolian wisdom, our ancient culture.” ## **The first stage of meditative meditation is mental relaxation** Prof. Tarhan stated that the first stage of meditative meditation is for the person to relax mentally, and continued: “The person chooses a mantra-like word for themselves. They think about and imagine that word for 20 minutes. During this time, the brain detaches from its daily routine. The mind no longer asks familiar questions like ‘Why did this happen this way, why did that happen that way?’ Instead, the person generates new meanings with this word, daydreams, and enters a mentally creative process. The second stage is physical exercise. During this, the person performs exercises aimed at relaxing their body. The third element is sound. Music to support meditation, a nature sound (water, bird sound, etc.), or a melody that made the person feel good in the past can be used. Thus, the mental, physical, and auditory dimensions engage together. When these three elements come together, meditation becomes effective. Because in this way, different regions of the brain are activated simultaneously. Our five senses are engaged: auditory, visual, physical... Fine motor, gross motor, verbal, and emotional skills all work together. All areas of the brain are activated.” ## **20-minute meditative actions every day are highly beneficial** Prof. Nevzat Tarhan pointed out that 20-minute meditative actions every day are highly beneficial, adding, “However, what is important here is that the person can fully commit their mind to this action. For example, I know many people who perform their religious rituals, worship, but their minds are elsewhere. Because they cannot devote their mind and emotions to worship, it does not turn into a meditative act. However, when a person can fully commit their mind and emotions to that moment, then this action truly becomes meditative. This approach is also used in therapies.” Stating that an understanding of loneliness that goes to extremes creates selfishness and egocentrism, and that a person thinking only of their own interests is not healthy, Prof. Tarhan said, “Chosen loneliness is beneficial when practiced in the right dosage. However, if it goes to extremes, the person may start to see themselves as enlightened and fall into a dangerous state like religious narcissism. Just like ethnic narcissism, religious narcissism is dangerous. Everything must be in the right measure and at the right time.” ## **Being happy with ordinary things is also the secret to a long life…** Stating that three fundamental elements—material assets, health, and wisdom—must be balanced for a healthy life, Prof. Tarhan said, "Placing these three things on the tray of reason and living a balanced life ensures a long-lasting and healthy life. Being happy with ordinary things, leading a simple but meaningful lifestyle, is the secret to a long life. People who use humor extensively and engage in positive interactions bring peace to those around them. If you do not feel peaceful next to a person, if you feel anxious, that person is a negative person.” ## **Humor is very effective in coping with stress** Stating that individuals with negative energy spread unrest to their surroundings, Prof. Tarhan said, “If you do not feel peaceful but anxious next to a person, that person is a negative person. People with a positive state of mind, on the other hand, instill trust, can take a joke, use humor, and even make fun of themselves. Such people truly live longer. Humor is very effective in coping with stress. A citizen from Kayseri falls seriously ill. When his family gathers around him, he asks, 'If all of you are here, who is at the shop?' He makes everyone laugh. People who can use humor in human relationships live longer.” Emphasizing that individuals must first initiate change within themselves, Prof. Tarhan said, “Before trying to correct others, we should focus on ourselves. Individuals who develop awareness make healthier decisions and make fewer mistakes in relationships.” ## **Women live longer thanks to their emotional brain structures** Prof. Nevzat Tarhan evaluated the biological and psychological reasons behind women living longer than men and stated that the structural features of the female brain play an important role in longevity, saying, “When we look at global data, it is seen that women live longer compared to men. One of the most fundamental reasons for this is that the female brain works focused on emotions and compassion.” Emphasizing that women are more empathetic with their maternal instinct and emotional structures, Prof. Tarhan said, “The male brain is more of a hunter type, working predominantly with the left brain; it is focused on logic, analysis, and the instinct to fight. The female brain, on the other hand, is associated with the right brain, meaning emotions, aesthetics, art, and compassion. This structural difference allows women to focus more on transcending themselves and inner peace. Their empathy skills are also more developed compared to men. This provides an advantage for a long and healthy life.” ## **Happy marriage extends life expectancy** Prof. Tarhan stated that research reveals married individuals generally live longer, but emphasized that this is only valid in the case of a happy marriage. Prof. Tarhan said, “If a marriage is restless, if couples are constantly in conflict, then living long is not very possible. In the competitive marriage model imposed on us by the modern age, ego wars occur between women and men. However, the ideal is a complementary marriage based on companionship.” Prof. Tarhan stated that marriage turning into a power struggle between individuals weakens the relationship, saying, “In competitive marriages, the parties remain as separate entities, like 1+1. But if people act with a common purpose, two ones side by side become like 11 people.” Reminding that in traditional culture, spouses are defined as ‘Refik’ and ‘Refika,’ meaning ‘travel companion,’ Prof. Tarhan concluded his words by saying, “In this understanding, couples do not try to dominate each other; on the contrary, they strengthen together. A true marriage is two separate individuals uniting to create a greater meaning.” [Video](https://www.youtube.com/embed/9YpUjD3AG6U) ## Akademik Referans DOI: [https://doi.org/10.32739/uha.id.88179](https://doi.org/10.32739/uha.id.88179) --- *Kaynak: [Üsküdar Haber Ajansı](https://uha.com.tr) — https://uha.com.tr/prof-nevzat-tarhan-happy-with-ordinary-things-simple-meaningful-life-secret-to-longevity*