Sahaja Training: Upgrading Posyandu Healthcare Volunteers (Kader) for Older People.
On November 23, 2025, the Sahaja Foundation held a Sahaja Training: Upgrading Posyandu 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 on introducing the Sahaja Foundation, including its history, vision, and mission to support a healthy and meaningful life for older people.
The material presented covered various essential concepts about aging, including the concept of healthy aging and ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle by focusing on positive thinking, physical activity, and balanced nutrition. Dr. Suka emphasized the importance of understanding the basic needs of older individuals and their independence, which are influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. One crucial effort in maintaining the health of older people is regular health screenings, ideally conducted once a year, to detect disease risks early. He also reminded the participants that older adults, despite physical limitations, can still contribute to family life, for instance, through prayers that bring inner peace.
The event included interactive discussion sessions where participants shared experiences and received practical guidance from Dr. Suka. One participant, Mrs. A, shared her challenges in managing an older family member who was overly talkative and difficult to handle at home. In response, Dr. Suka advised avoiding arguments with older people and instead offering patient explanations with a kind approach. Meanwhile, Mrs. B shared about her father-in-law, who felt depressed after retirement and uncomfortable staying idle at home. Even after experiencing paralysis due to amputation from disease complications, he always wanted to be active in gardening. Dr. Suka explained the importance of understanding the emotional needs of older people, especially those accustomed to being active, by providing tolerance and supportive understanding to help them feel valued.
An inspiring moment during the event was the testimony of Mrs. Supri, a senior kader who had been active since the 1970s when the Posyandu program was first established. She was highly active in her daily life and had once been an exercise instructor. However, after losing her beloved child, she faced psychological issues that caused her to lose motivation for social activities for seven years. This condition affected her health, leading to various illnesses such as high blood pressure, nerve compression, and other complaints. Realizing she needed to rise again, she decided to improve her life to inspire many other older people. Gradually, she opened herself to the outside world, began paying attention to her health, and lived her days with greater enthusiasm. She maintained her spirit for a healthier and longer life through healthy habits and positive thinking. Mrs. Supri shared that she chose light physical activities, such as walking. Now, at 74 years old, she has resumed her role as a Posyandu kader to help and inspire other older people.
During the discussion, Mrs. Supri asked why her blood pressure was often high when measured in a clinic but normal when checked at home. Dr. Suka explained that this could be due to white coat syndrome, anxiety that arises in medical settings. He stressed the importance of measuring blood pressure in a calm state for more accurate results.
Through this event, Posyandu Lansia kader gained a deeper understanding of older people’s health concepts, the importance of routine screenings, and strategies to support older people’s independence. The event also reinforced the role of kader as primary supporters in providing holistic care for older individuals in their communities. With a spirit of 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 an expression of gratitude for the event’s success.
