Posyandu Soka 1 Sendowo cadres have once again partnered with Gadjah Mada Medical Center (GMC UGM) to organize a Posyandu Lansia (elderly health service) for the Sendowo community on Saturday (Jun. 15).
This elderly health service is an initiative of the Wreda Mulya Foundation (YWM). It has become a regular monthly event aimed at improving the health of the Sendowo community.
Responding to this activity, Yayuk Soraya, MD, Head of GMC UGM, stated that the increasing life expectancy is one of the main indicators of public health levels. This implies a growing number of elderly individuals.
Citing data from the World Health Organization (WHO), Indonesia’s elderly population will increase by 41.4 percent by 2025, the highest increase globally.
Moreover, the United Nations estimates that by 2050, the number of older adults in Indonesia will reach 60 million. This number will place Indonesia 41st in terms of the largest elderly population.
“Therefore, WHO recommends that every country with a large elderly population expand its integrated health service system. Universal health coverage, which is part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), must be connected to the needs of elderly participants,” she said at GMC UGM on Monday (Jun. 24).
According to her, age 60 and above is the final stage of the aging process, impacting three aspects: biological, economic, and social. Biologically, the elderly will experience continuous aging processes marked by decreased physical endurance and increased susceptibility to diseases.
Therefore, she emphasized that older people need health services like Posyandu Lansia. Such services can enhance the reach of healthcare for the elderly in the community, creating health services that meet their needs.
“Posyandu will bring services closer, increase community and private sector participation in healthcare, and enhance communication among the elderly,” she added.
In its services, Posyandu Lansia focuses on health, psychological, spiritual, and nutritional needs to improve health and achieve a happy, healthy, independent, and productive old age.
At the Posyandu in Sendowo, older people can consult with general practitioners from GMC UGM, undergo dental check-ups from the UGM Faculty of Dentistry, and have health tests such as measuring height, weight, blood pressure, and nutritional status.
The elderly also receive medication for their health complaints and additional nutritional supplements. The activities are designed to be engaging, attracting many Sendowo elderly residents to check their health. There were a total of 60-70 elderly participants.
Soraya added that GMC UGM, as a primary healthcare facility, is open and actively involved in benefiting the surrounding community. Such activities hope to support the government’s sustainable development program (SDGs), particularly SDG 3, which aims for good health and well-being.
Author: Agung Nugroho