Sleman, May 24, 2025 – Sumberan Hamlet in Sariharjo Village, Ngaglik District, Sleman, was the successful host of the “Healthy Seniors Movement: Education, Early Detection, and Prevention of Diabetes and Hypertension” program on Saturday morning. This collaborative initiative, spearheaded by Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) Faculty of Pharmacy and the Elderly Posyandu Cadres, aimed to boost health literacy and awareness of chronic diseases among the elderly. Around 50 enthusiastic seniors participated in the event, which ran from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM WIB.
The program kicked off with a health education session on diabetes and hypertension, two common degenerative diseases in older adults. The community service team, represented by Fajar Hasmoro Carsita, provided detailed information on the diseases, risk factors, symptoms, and preventive measures through healthy lifestyle. This session encouraged active discussion and shared experiences among the attendees.
Following the educational segment, free health screenings were conducted, including measurements for weight, height, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, as well as uric acid and cholesterol checks. These screenings, assisted by village facilitators, aimed for early detection of diabetes and hypertension indicators to facilitate prompt medical intervention. The high enthusiasm from participants demonstrated a positive response to the community service provided. One participant, 55-year-old Sri Hariyati, expressed her appreciation, saying, “I’m glad I could participate because I learned how to manage my blood pressure and control my blood sugar. The free check-ups are very helpful for us here.”
The involvement of village cadres was crucial to the program’s success. They acted as a vital link between the UGM team and the community, while also assisting with technical implementation. Their role in guiding participants and disseminating information was indispensable. Dr. apt. Indah Purwantini, M.Si, from Faculty Pharmacy at UGM, emphasized the importance of early detection and continuous education to prevent complications. Ibu Erna, Head of the Elderly Posyandu Cadres, also welcomed the initiative, hoping similar programs would continue to enhance the quality of life for seniors. Educational leaflets on chronic diseases were distributed to ensure understanding and the adoption of healthy daily habits.
This “Healthy Seniors Movement” program supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It contributes to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by providing access to preventive health services and early screenings for the elderly. Through easily understandable education and outreach, the program also supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) by improving public health literacy. Furthermore, SDG 5 (Gender Equality) is reflected in the active role of female village cadres, who not only served as field facilitators but also gained valuable experience in delivering education and assisting elderly participants. Their involvement signifies the empowerment of women in health development for seniors. Finally, the close collaboration between UGM, village cadres, and the local community embodies SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), highlighting the importance of cross-sector cooperation in enhancing community well-being.
Contributor: Akhmad Riski
