Dewi Srimauli Simorangkir, a Master's student in Gerontic Nursing at the Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Indonesia (FoN UI), has won a Short Video Competition organized by the Central Board of the Indonesian Gerontic Nurses Association (IPEGERI) in commemoration of the 2025 National Elderly Day (HLUN).

Dewi’s project features an innovative structured exercise program called OLORE (Otago, Locomotion Training, and Resistance Training), specifically designed to strengthen the leg and arm muscles of older adults. The program plays a vital role in preventing physical decline, improving mobility, and promoting independence in daily activities.

In the short yet impactful video, OLORE does not stand alone. Dewi also highlighted a variety of enjoyable activities that help stimulate the cognitive functions of older adults, such as karaoke, making bracelets, and crafting tissue boxes. This approach illustrates that maintaining the quality of life for the elderly goes beyond medical aspects—it must also comprehensively address their social and psychological well-being.

“Older adults who are physically active, socially connected, and cognitively stimulated have a greater chance of staying healthy, happy, and independent. Through the OLORE Program, I want to show that even simple approaches can make a big impact when carried out consistently and with empathy,” said Dewi Srimauli Simorangkir.

This work not only won the competition, but also reflects a future vision of gerontic nursing in Indonesia that is more humanistic, collaborative, and grounded in the real needs of older adults. Dewi emphasized that amid the rapidly growing elderly population in Indonesia, the healthcare system must adapt by offering interventions that are affordable, practical, and applicable across various settings, including community-based environments.

According to data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS), Indonesia is projected to enter the era of an aging population by 2030, with more than 15% of its citizens aged over 60. This presents a significant challenge for healthcare professionals, particularly gerontic nurses, to provide services that are not only curative but also preventive and promotive.

Through this competition, IPEGERI provided a platform for the younger generation of healthcare professionals to voice their ideas and innovations in elderly care. Dewi is a clear example that nursing students can be agents of change, bringing fresh and solution-oriented approaches to issues affecting older adults.

The 2025 National Elderly Day Short Video Competition was part of a national campaign aimed at encouraging all segments of society to care more about the well-being of older adults. This year’s HLUN (National Elderly Day) carried the theme “Healthy Elderly, Strong Indonesia,” emphasizing the importance of cross-sector collaboration in building an age-friendly and empowering ecosystem for the elderly.

FoN UI also expressed its appreciation for Dewi’s achievement and reaffirmed its commitment to continuously produce graduates who are not only academically excellent but also deeply concerned about vulnerable groups such as the elderly.