As the world’s population continues to age, countries are faced with the challenge of ensuring that their elderly citizens are able to maintain a good quality of life. In Indonesia, the National Population and Family Planning Board (BKKBN) has introduced a new approach to aging that could revolutionize how seniors are cared for. The concept of “elderly schools” is being implemented as an effort to develop senior programs and provide a more comprehensive level of care to the elderly. ANTARA News explores the benefits and potential of these schools in promoting healthy aging among Indonesian seniors.
The Indonesian government has recently established elderly schools as an effort to improve the development of senior programs. The National Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN) affirmed that the program aims to assist the elderly in spiritual, intellectual, vocational or hobby, social, physical, mental health, emotional well-being, and environmental aspects. The head of BKKBN Bengkulu Province, Zainin, emphasized that this program is necessary to realize healthy, independent, active, productive, and dignified (SMART) elderly.
According to data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS), the elderly population in Indonesia has reached 26.82 million people or 9.92 percent of the total population, approaching an aging population as the number of elderly citizens has almost surpassed the 10 percent mark. Additionally, in Bengkulu, the number of elderly people counts to 10.06 percent, or 202,273 people out of 2,010,670 residents.
The increase in the elderly population is caused by the health and socio-economic development carried out by the Indonesian government, which increases life expectancy. However, since a significant number of elderly people in Indonesia have low levels of education and income, the government developed policies to explore their potential and reduce the burden on family and society.
The establishment of the elderly school by the Elderly Family Development Group program (BKL) aims to prepare elderly individuals to become SMART citizens. Four elderly schools are already located in Kepahiang, North Bengkulu, and Seluma districts, while the fourth elderly school located in the Rejang Lebong district’s inauguration took place on April 13.
The program hopes to address challenges concerning the fast aging process and anticipates the aging process, especially for those from low-income families. Rejang Lebong district head, Syamsul Effendi, hopes that with the increasing number of schools for the elderly, they will become productive in their old age.
The Indonesian government formulated policies to ensure the elderly population’s independent and productive life. Data integration plays an essential role in eradicating extreme poverty in the elderly. Eight provinces have been identified to be experiencing population aging by the BKKBN.
In conclusion, the establishment of elderly schools in Indonesia is a commendable effort to help prepare the elderly for a SMART life. With policies formulated to support their well-being and enhance their potential, it is hoped that the elderly population in Indonesia will become more productive and independent, contributing significantly to the nation’s development.
