Healthcare and Social Service for Older People in Commemoration of National Older People's Day 2024
In order to commemorate National Older People’s Day on May 23, 2024, a social service activity was held at the Basangalas Community Hall, Tribuana Village, Abang District, Karangasem Regency. In this event, Sahaja Dharma Sejahtera Foundation collaborated with various parties such as Bali Institute of Technology and Health (ITEKES BALI); Indonesian Geriatric Nurses Association; Alzi Chapter Bali; Integrated Geriatric Clinical Team; Internal Medicine Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University; Indonesian Society of Medical Gerontology (PERGEMI) Bali Branch; Pharmacy of Prof. Ngoerah General Hospital; and Abang 1 Community Health Center.
Basangalas, located in Karangasem Regency, Bali, is known for its stunning natural beauty. Surrounded by mountains and lush green rice fields throughout the year, Basangalas is mainly populated by farmers who derive their livelihood from agriculture and traditional farming practices passed down through generations, making agriculture the backbone of the local economy. Additionally, some residents are involved in handicrafts such as weaving and wood carving, which are distinctive skills of the region.
The social service activities were conducted with great enthusiasm, with approximately 100 older participants from the area. The atmosphere at the event was joyous and uplifting for the older attendees, who appeared enthusiastic and happy to participate. The event commenced with warm welcomes from the organizers and related parties, providing encouragement and support to the older people. Subsequently, the main activities included health examinations for older people, encompassing blood pressure measurements, blood sugar tests, medical history collection, anthropometric measurements, Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA), handgrip tests, up and go tests, health consultations, and medication distribution. Additionally, home visits were conducted for older individuals who were unable to attend the community hall due to mobility challenges.
The social service activities also involved a trained team from Pranic Healing to provide assistance in the healing and health recovery processes for the older attendees. Pranic Healing, or Prana Therapy, is a healing method that utilizes prana or vital energy to address various health issues and promote holistic well-being. This method involves understanding and manipulating the pranic energy surrounding the body to restore energy balance.
Beyond the main activities, the atmosphere was warm and friendly. Older participants were seen exchanging stories and sharing smiles among themselves and with the volunteers and medical teams present. For many of them, this event was not just about health check-ups but also an opportunity to meet friends and enjoy companionship they had long missed.
Interviews with several older participants revealed their gratitude and appreciation for the social service activities brought to their village. Mr. Made expressed, “We are very happy with this social service event. As far as we can remember, this is the first time such an event has been held here. What makes us even happier is that this event is free and does not require us to travel far. It saves us energy and transportation costs, especially for those of us who have difficulty moving due to age.”
Mrs. Nengah also conveyed her gratitude for the event, stating, “I feel deeply touched and grateful for this social service event. It is something very helpful and beneficial for us older people.”
“Seeing so many kind-hearted people willing to spend their time and energy to help us is truly heartening. We feel valued and remembered by the community, despite our advanced age,” said Mr. Londra.
During this social service event, we also had the opportunity to interview several older individuals who were engaged in conversations. Mrs. Merti said, “I am very happy and assisted by this social service event. It gives us a chance to express our concerns directly to the medical professionals present.”
Mrs. Korni added, “Sometimes we find it difficult to get adequate medical attention, but with events like this, we can meet with doctors and nurses who are ready to listen and respond to our concerns, which makes us very happy.”
Mrs. Siki shared, “Many of us have health problems, so being able to speak directly with medical professionals at events like this gives us relief and assistance.”
“The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members.” – Mahatma Gandhi
