Smiles and enthusiasm radiated from the elderly at the Balai Kesehatan Lansia (BKL) Mugi Waras, Sendangagung Village, on Wednesday (21/5), when the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM) in collaboration with the UGM Community Service Program (KKN PPM) Period 1 of 2025 Unit YO-046 officially launched the Elderly School. This program reflects FKG UGM’s commitment to improving the quality of life of older adults through planned and sustainable non-formal education.
The launch of the Elderly School was initiated by the Department of Oral Medicine, FKG UGM, through a Community Service Grant scheme, in collaboration with strategic partners including the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing UGM, Faculty of Psychology UGM, Prof. Soedomo Dental and Oral Hospital, the Government of Sendangagung Village, the Ministry of Education and Culture/BKKBN Yogyakarta Representative, the Office of P3AP2KB, and the Indonesia Ramah Lansia Foundation.
According to drg. Elastria Widita, M.Sc., Ph.D., lecturer at the Department of Oral Medicine FKG UGM, the Elderly School is a form of non-formal education that aims to create healthy, active, independent, productive, and dignified elderly citizens. “This activity refers to the BKKBN curriculum but is adapted to local needs and developed collaboratively with various partners,” said Elastria.
Sendangagung was chosen as the location because it is in Minggir District, an area with the highest dependency ratio in Sleman Regency—one that also records the highest life expectancy in Indonesia. The Elderly School seeks to empower older adults not only in health, but also in social, economic, and environmental aspects.
The program will run for six months and conclude on 27 November 2025. Learning is conducted through large classes, small group sessions, and online platform such as WhatsApp Groups. The curriculum covers general health, oral health, mental well-being, and early disease detection skills.
Appreciation from Partners and Government
Dr. Iin Nadzifah Hamid, representative of the Ministry of Education and Culture/BKKBN, expressed appreciation for FKG UGM’s initiative: “We hope the Elderly School in Minggir can become a model for other regions in Yogyakarta. Lifelong learning is crucial for older adults to remain healthy, resilient, and productive,” she said.
Dwi Endah Kurniasih, S.K.M., M.PH., Director of Indonesia Ramah Lansia, also welcomed the program, emphasizing that the Elderly School is not only a learning space, but also a platform to uphold dignity and strengthen the role of the elderly in society.
Meanwhile, Dra. Dwi Wiharyanti, M.Si., Head of Population Control and Family Planning at Sleman’s P3AP2KB Office, highlighted the importance of the program for Sleman Regency, which has more than 77,000 elderly citizens, or about 15.8% of its total population.
“The Elderly School is a form of appreciation for the elderly. We hope they become SMART—Healthy, Independent, Active, Productive, and Dignified. We also appreciate FKG UGM for including oral health modules in the curriculum,” she said.
An Empowerment Model for a Happy Elderly Community
The Elderly School initiated by UGM is designed as a form of continuing education for older adults through various approaches aimed at improving their quality of life. It seeks to create an optimal balance among economic, sociocultural, and environmental pillars through education for sustainable development, particularly in relation to health, well-being, and quality education.
The program targets residents over the age of 60 who are active in BKL Sendangagung activities. In addition to absorbing the learning materials, the elderly participants will also engage in group discussions, skills simulations, and community-based activities.
“With an interdisciplinary and participatory approach, we hope the Elderly School will serve as a model of empowerment that promotes not only physical health but also psychological and social well-being,” concluded drg. Elastria.
Author: Fajar Budi Harsakti
Contributor: Dept. of Oral Medicine
