Yogyakarta, September 20, 2025 – Students of the UGM Pharmacy Professional Program August 2025 intake successfully carried out a community service activity at the Elderly School in Dusun Kadirojo I, Purwomartani, Kalasan, Sleman, the Special Region of Yogyakarta, on September 20, 2025. The Elderly School activity represents a concrete contribution from the Faculty of Pharmacy in supporting the community, especially the elderly, as part of a monthly routine program that has been running since November 2024 under the guidance of Dr. apt. Indah Purwantini, S.Si., M.Si., and apt. Purwanto, M.Sc., Ph.D.
The event began with an elderly exercise led by female health cadres. These light yet cheerful movements not only served to loosen muscles and joints but also fostered a warm, joyful atmosphere among participants. The exercise served as the perfect opener, preparing the elderly physically and mentally for the upcoming educational and creative practice sessions.
After feeling refreshed, the activity continued with an interactive education session by UGM Pharmacy students about the benefits of aromatherapy using various essential oils derived from medicinal plants. Participants were invited to understand how certain aromas, such as lavender, can help calm the mind and improve sleep quality. This session was followed by a demonstration on making aromatherapy candles, where students explained each step in detail. Afterwards, participants were allowed to try the candle-making process themselves, from melting the wax, mixing essential oils and colorants, to pouring the mixture into candle containers. This hands-on practice served as an empowerment tool, allowing the elderly to develop new skills that enhance their confidence and productivity.
The aromatherapy candles produced by participants not only became valuable relaxation products but also hold significant potential as a business opportunity. The skills they acquired open doors for creative work and even additional income. This initiative demonstrates that productivity and enthusiasm know no age limits, and economic empowerment can be an integral part of elderly well-being, fostering healthy, independent, and productive seniors.
The program was met with strong enthusiasm from the participants. It is hoped that this program will continue as a tangible example of synergy between educational institutions, health workers, and the community in creating a healthy, independent, and productive elderly community.
This community service activity directly supports three important points of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). First, SDG 3, Good Health and Well-being, as the program promotes physical and mental health for the elderly through exercise and aromatherapy education. Second, the activity aligns with SDG 8, Decent Work and Economic Growth, by providing skills that have the potential to become additional sources of income for the elderly, showing that productivity is not limited by age. Finally, the program contributes to SDG 4, Quality Education, by providing relevant and practical non-formal learning, empowering the elderly with new knowledge and skills.
