A survey conducted by Department of Nursing of Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) in Bangen, Bangunjiwo, Kasihan, Bantul, Yogakarta toward 185 elderly people showed that most of them had hypertension. Noticing the fact, the Department of Nursing collaborating with local community health centers (Puskesmas) inaugurated an integrated health service post (Posyandu) of ‘LANGEN SEHATI’ standing for ‘Lansia Bangen Sehat Sejati’.

On Sunday (18/2) in the inauguration, Department Head of Nursing Ema Waliyanti, S.Kep., N.S., MPH stated, “The establishment of the Posyandu was to implement one of the Three Principles of Higher Education (tri dharma perguruan tinggi), namely community service. The Posyandu for the elderly will be held on the third week of each month. “Alhamdulillah, the elderly are highly enthusiastic about the Posyandu. After a medical check-up, we would provide treatment such as having exercises together and other activities.” In fact, 100 elderly participanted in the Posyandu.

Head of Puskesmas of Kasihan 1 Bantul, D.I. Yogyakakarta Aceng Mutoli SKM told that, based on data, 85 percent of Indonesian were health while 15 percent were not quite health. “Therefore, the Posyandu aims to maintain their health and heal the unhealthy people,” he declared.

Aceng advised that people of Bangen to always had exercises to keep their health. “You can spend at least 30 minutes a day to have an exercise. If possible, you can exercise through mopping floors. The crux is that you move your body,” he maintained.

If the Posyandu runs well and bring good, we will propose it to be POSBINDU (an integrated health service post for the elderly). “Hence, we can get more funds and our service for the elderly can be well-structured,” said Aceng.

Moreover, Hamlet Head of Bangen Rohadi mentioned that the Posyandu in the hamlet was slightly left behind from other hamlets in Bangunjiwo because the geographical condition and the people’s awareness were low. “The Posyandu is expected to raise people’s awareness of the significance of maintaining health,” he wished.

Rohadi encouraged the elderly to join the Posyandu. “Both cadres and the elderly should be vigorous so that this Posyandu can run well. Indeed, we have to bear in our mind that we should always be in a healthy condition even though we get older,” he emphasized.