Sahaja Training: Upgrading Posyandu Healthcare Volunteers (Kader) for Older People.
On November 23, 2025, the Sahaja Bali Foundation held a Sahaja Training: Upgrading Posyandu Lansia Healthcare Volunteers (Kader) for Older People. The event began with a welcome speech from the Head of the Puskesmas, followed by remarks from the Chair of the Sahaja Foundation, Dr. dr. I Gusti Putu Suka Aryana, Sp.PD-KGer, FINASIM. During his speech, Dr. Suka Aryana also delivered material introducing the Sahaja Foundation, including its history, vision, and mission to support a healthy and meaningful life for older people.
The session covered various essential concepts about aging, including healthy aging and how to maintain a healthy lifestyle through positive thinking, physical activity, and balanced nutrition. Dr. Suka Aryana emphasized the importance of understanding the basic needs and independence of older people, which are influenced by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. One key effort in maintaining their health is regular health screening, ideally once a year, to detect disease risks early. He also reminded participants that older people, despite physical limitations, can still contribute meaningfully to family life—for instance, through prayers that bring inner peace.
Interactive discussions followed, where participants shared their experiences and received practical guidance from Dr. Suka Aryana. One participant, Mrs. A, shared her challenge in caring for an older family member who was overly talkative and difficult to manage at home. In response, Dr. Suka Aryana advised avoiding confrontation and instead responding with patience and kindness. Meanwhile, Mrs. B spoke about her father-in-law, who experienced depression after retiring and disliked being idle. Even after becoming paralyzed due to disease complications, he continued to want to be active in the garden. Dr. Suka Aryana stressed the importance of understanding the emotional needs of older people—especially those previously active—by offering tolerance and support to help them feel valued.
An inspiring moment came from Mrs. Supri, a senior kader who had been active since the 1970s when the Posyandu program was first established. Once an exercise instructor, she faced psychological challenges after the loss of her beloved child, causing her to withdraw from social life for seven years. This emotional burden affected her health, leading to conditions like hypertension, nerve compression, and other complaints. Realizing the need to rebuild her life, she committed to improving her well-being to inspire other older people. Slowly, she reconnected with the community, paid more attention to her health, and began living with renewed enthusiasm. Now, at 74 years old, she maintains her health through light physical activity like walking and has returned to her role as a Posyandu kader to support and motivate other older people.
During the discussion, Mrs. Supri asked why her blood pressure was often high at the clinic but normal at home. Dr. Suka Aryana explained this could be due to “white coat syndrome,” where anxiety in clinical settings causes elevated readings. He emphasized the importance of measuring blood pressure in a calm and relaxed state for more accurate results.
This training provided Posyandu Lansia healthcare volunteers with deeper insight into older people’s health, the importance of routine screenings, and strategies to support their independence. It also reinforced the vital role of kader as frontline supporters in delivering holistic care for older people in their communities. With ongoing collaboration and education, it is hoped that all older people can live healthy, dignified, and meaningful lives.
The event concluded with a group photo as a memento and expressions of gratitude for the success of the training.
