Seminar on Elderly Health: Tips for Healthy, Happy, and Prosperous Older People
Sunday (19/05/2024), Dr. I Gusti Putu Suka Aryana, Sp.PD-KGer, was invited to deliver a seminar titled “Tips for Healthy and Happy Older People,” with the theme of fostering health, creativity, and independence in later life. This event was held to commemorate the 28th National Elderly Day in North Kuta District. The seminar took place in the hall of the North Kuta District Office and was attended by district officials, representatives from the Badung Health and Social Services Departments, Dr. Drs. I Putu Parwata MK, MM, from the Badung Regional House of Representatives, as well as 100 older people from the North Kuta area.
The event began with a performance of the Sekar Jepun dance by older people, followed by the singing of the Indonesian national anthem and the “Mars Lansia” (Elderly Anthem). The opening ceremony included speeches from the event committee chairperson, the North Kuta District Head, and Dr. Drs. I Putu Parwata MK, MM, who officially opened the seminar.
During the seminar, Dr. Suka Aryana shared valuable insights on how older people can live a healthy and happy life in their later years. He explained, “Aging is a natural process for all of us. If we are aging, it means we have been blessed with a long life. Older age is like the twilight—a time many people look forward to because of its beauty. This twilight of life is a beautiful phase we eagerly anticipate. To truly enjoy it, we need to prepare from now, ensuring health, happiness, and well-being in our later years. Only then can we see aging as a phase to cherish and look forward to.”
Dr. Suka emphasized that aging brings inevitable physical changes: thinning and graying hair, wrinkled skin, the risk of losing teeth, blurred vision, memory lapses, and declining hearing. However, he encouraged attendees to embrace these changes with acceptance.
“If we are granted a long life, illnesses may become a part of our journey. Throughout the long aging process, encountering diseases is inevitable. Don’t despair; for instance, diabetes is common among older individuals. As the body’s organs begin to decline in function, various illnesses may arise. What matters is that we manage our health well, such as maintaining normal blood sugar levels. This allows us to enjoy a good quality of life despite living with conditions like diabetes.”
Dr. Suka further explained that denying the reality of vulnerability to illness can complicate matters, as the stress from denial can worsen health conditions. He discussed two simple theories of aging: genetic factors and lifestyle choices. While genetic factors cannot be changed, lifestyle choices are within our control. A healthy lifestyle can slow down the aging process, whereas an unhealthy one may accelerate it.
“Acceptance and gratitude are key to happiness. Even with physical imperfections, we should find things to be grateful for. By doing so, even with health challenges, we can accept them as part of the natural aging process. What matters most is maintaining a healthy lifestyle to enjoy old age with health and happiness.”
Dr. Suka reiterated that illness is often an unavoidable aspect of aging. He acknowledged that aging can sometimes leave older individuals feeling disheartened, with a sense of worthlessness, compounded by frailty and declining health. He highlighted the importance of offering encouragement, which can uplift their spirits and inspire them to live better with courage.
The seminar concluded smoothly, with participants displaying high enthusiasm. Many older attendees expressed joy in participating in the event, noting that it was a rare opportunity to meet an inspiring figure like Dr. Suka, share their concerns, and recount their experiences of aging.
