UNAIR NEWS – According to data from the 2015 Inter-Census Population Survey, the number of elderly is 21.7 million, or 8.5 percent of the total population. This number consists of 11.6 million women (52.8 percent) and 10.2 million men (47.2 percent) (BPS, 2016). Meanwhile, according to the Aging Index, in 2035, there will be 73 elderly per 100 population in less than 15 years. It increased from 2015, which was only 31 people.
Furthermore, during a pandemic like this, the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the Covid-19 virus. As a response, the Nursing Student Association (HIMA) of Universitas Airlangga’s Faculty of Vocational Studies conducted a community service on Monday, September 7, 2020, at Panti Wreda (Nursing home) Babat, Lamongan.
“Initially, 55 elderly people would be presented, but there were only six elderly representatives to avoid crowds. Then, for our students, there are only a few representatives. The other health protocols were also applied, “said Dinna Alvia Novita, the Head of D3 Nursing student association.
This service, continued Dinna, was aimed at providing education to the elderly. In particular, building awareness of how important it is to maintain cleanliness. Moreover, the current pandemic makes people have to maintain cleanliness.
“We (HIMA Nursing, ed) give them (elderly) education about the importance of maintaining personal and environmental hygiene. We provide not only education but also facilities such as tools for sanitation. We also give them masks and hand sanitizers,” she said.
The motivation given to the elderly was also conducted by considering the condition of those who live alone. Some of them were even sent by their families to nursing homes. Of course, it puts pressure on the elderly.
“Many elderly are worried because their peers die 3-5 people in a month. We hope the motivation we provide lower their worry, allowing them to be happier in life,” she said. (*)
Author: Icha Nur Imami Puspita
Editor: Feri Fenoria Rifa’i
