UNESA's FPsi Strategy to Improve Elderly Mental Health through a Festival Attended by Hundreds of Participants
Unesa.ac.id, SURABAYA-Hundreds of elderly people packed the Rectorate field of Surabaya State University (UNESA), on Saturday, November 02, 2024. They showed off their talents (got talent), underwent counseling, and free health checks in the Elderly Festival organized by the UNESA Faculty of Psychology (FPsi).
The festival commemorated Mental Health Month and UNESA's 60th Anniversary with the theme “Healthy, Resilient, and Happy Elders to Achieve Meaningful Quality of Life.”
Diana Rahmasari, Dean of FPsi said that the importance of mental health for the elderly cannot be ignored. Mental health is actually a relevant issue for all groups, from children to the elderly.
“With this festival, we want to provide space for the elderly, especially considering that support from family and the surrounding environment is very influential on their mental health,” he said.
The festival was attended by approximately 400 elderly participants, who came from the UNESA Retirees Association and the elderly community assisted by the East Java Provincial Social Service.
Various interesting activities were prepared, such as talent shows (got talent), free health checks and counseling, joint gymnastics, blood donation, educational games, and others.
“UNESA is committed to continue to contribute significantly in supporting the mental health of the community, which on this occasion we specialize in the elderly,” said the UNESA psychologist.
The Head of Social Rehabilitation of East Java Province, Muhammad Arif Ardiansyah, in his speech expressed his appreciation for the event and emphasized the importance of mental health for the elderly in East Java.
“This activity is very good to support the mental health of the elderly, who certainly need attention and support from the surrounding environment,” he said.
He also explained that the Social Service has seven Technical Implementation Units (UPT) in various regions in East Java that specifically provide services for the elderly in need, as well as several assistance programs such as PKH Plus and Food Social Assistance.
“The elderly need to stay active, do positive activities, and be able to gather together so that they still feel happy and their lives are meaningful,” he added.
This activity is expected to be a real step in supporting mental health for all age groups, especially the elderly, as well as an example for other communities in paying more attention to the welfare of the elderly in the community.
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Reporter: Mohammad Dian Purnama (FMIPA), & Zakariya Putra Soekarno (Fisipol)
Editor: @zam*
Photo: UNESA HUMAS Team
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