Depok-The Universitas Indonesia (UI) Vocational Education Program, through the Gericare team, has demonstrated strategic steps towards improving the quality of life for seniors aged 65 and over.
In a community service activity entitled “Gericare: Improving Fitness in Elderly Individuals at Risk of Dementia”, held at the Universitas Indonesia Hospital (RSUI) on August 31, 2025, participants received comprehensive education on the importance of maintaining physical fitness and conducting early detection to recognize health problems that often accompany dementia.
Indonesia faces significant challenges related to the increasing number of elderly people and the risk of dementia. According to a report from the Social Security Administration for Health (BPJS Kesehatan), the number of participants diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in Indonesia has increased significantly. In 2019, the number of BPJS Kesehatan participants diagnosed with Alzheimer’s increased by approximately 87 percent to 10,414 in 2022. In fact, the Ministry of Health states that the prevalence of Alzheimer’s dementia in Indonesia is estimated to reach more than 4.2 million people.
These evolving aging trends demonstrate the relevance of the Gericare program. This effort serves as a promotive and preventive intervention to maintain the cognitive and physical function of older adults, enabling them to remain productive and independent.
The event, attended by 50 participants, consisting of seniors and caregivers, was initiated by a community service team from the Occupational Therapy and Vocational Physiotherapy study program at UI. The program also aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely Point 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), Point 10 (Reduced Inequality), and Point 17 (Partnerships for Goals).
One of the most interesting key sessions at the event was the seminar “Health Problems Accompanying Dementia,” presented by dr. Ika Fitriana, SpPD-KGer. In her presentation, dr. Ika explained that dementia is a collection of symptoms resulting from a degenerative process that affects various brain functions such as memory, comprehension, language, and judgment.
“Dementia doesn’t occur in isolation. It’s usually accompanied by other conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, stroke, depression or anxiety disorders, and nutritional issues. Therefore, it’s important for the community to recognize and manage these factors early on so that seniors can remain healthy and productive,” explained dr. Ika.
(Photo: The atmosphere of the Gericare community service activity at the Universitas Indonesia Hospital)
Another educational session was delivered by dr. Evi Rachmawati Nur Hidayati, Sp.KFR, Ph.D, FIPM(USG), a lecturer in the Occupational Therapy study program. According to dr. Evi, physical activity is an effective strategy for healthy aging.
“Physical activity can improve heart and lung fitness, strengthen muscles and bones, prevent chronic diseases, maintain body balance, improve mental health, and prevent depression,” she said.
Not only that, the participants also took part in fitness screening, elderly exercise, and vital signs checks as part of the early detection and prevention of physical disorders.
Muhammad Sami Arkan, an Occupational Therapy student and team leader, stated that the program represents UI Vocational tangible contribution to increasing public awareness and capacity in addressing the health challenges of the elderly.
“We hope Gericare can become a model for sustainable activities that help seniors maintain their fitness and independence, while preventing cognitive decline that leads to dementia,” said Sami.
Together with other students, namely Ajrin Dianikusuma, Gesi Sania, and Surya Agung Saputra, and dr. Amien Suharti, Sp.KFR as the supervisor, the program is supported by the Indonesian Alzheimer Community (Alzi) Depok Chapter and funded by the Directorate of Social Service and Innovation (DPIS) UI.
Director of the UI Vocational Education Program, Padang Wicaksono, S.E., Ph.D, said that the role of UI Vocational students and lecturers shows that vocational education strives to produce graduates who are ready to work and are directly involved in making real contributions to society.
“We hope that the collaboration between academia and the community through these three pillars of health activities will continue to grow and provide numerous benefits. We hope that Gericare can become a sustainable program that addresses the challenges of an aging population and maintains quality of life in senior years,” said Padang.
