Every 3 seconds, someone in the world develops dementia. This statement from the WHO serves as a stark warning, especially in Depok, where life expectancy is higher than the national average. The longer older adults live, the greater the health challenges they face.

Dementia is not the only concern. Loneliness weakens the mental health of older adults, while vulnerability—especially among elderly women—increases their risk of experiencing physical, psychological, or economic abuse. This phenomenon is increasingly evident in our society.

For this reason, the Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Indonesia (FoN UI), launched the TULUS program (Temani Usia Lanjut untuk Sehat – Accompanying Older Adults for Health). This initiative goes beyond medical counseling, inviting community health volunteers, families, and the broader community to collectively care for older adults.

On August 3, 2025, TULUS held a workshop for the Dahlia posbindu (integrated health service post) cadres at Bella Casa Residence. Participants were equipped with four essential modules: dementia prevention, communication with older adults, healthy lifestyle habits, and reproductive health.

The cadres were also trained to use the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) to detect early signs of cognitive decline. “Dementia can be prevented or slowed down, partly by recognizing its early signs and keeping older adults socially engaged,” explained Dr. Yossie Susanti Eka Putri, S.Kp., M.N., Ph.D., a lecturer at FIK UI.

The training emphasized that the role of cadres goes beyond health check-ups; it also includes simple interactions—such as greeting, engaging in conversation, or even just accompanying older adults while they do a crossword puzzle—that help keep both the mind and heart of seniors active.

In another session, Sri Yona, S.Kp., M.N., Ph.D., highlighted the often-overlooked issue of loneliness among older adults. Social isolation can trigger stress, impair memory, and even affect physical health.

The cadres were given practical strategies: regular visits, involving older adults in community activities such as arisan (social gatherings), religious study groups, or exercise classes, and even simply calling to check in. These small steps help seniors feel valued and not forgotten.

Another equally important topic was reproductive health and the protection of older women. Prof. Dr. Yati Afiyanti, S.Kp., M.N., and Dr. Rita Ismail, S.Kp., M.K.M., MTD (HE), Ph.D., reminded participants that older women still have the right to live healthy reproductive lives and to be free from violence.

Many of them face post-menopause changes—from physical complaints to anxiety—but often remain silent. Even more concerning, violence against older adults is frequently unreported because the perpetrators come from their immediate environment. “Cadres can serve as the frontline in preventing violence against seniors. Start with education, build trust, and involve community leaders,” emphasized Prof. Yati.

The second phase of the program, on August 9, 2025, involved 35 older adults and pre-seniors. The day began with a group exercise session, followed by a brain exercise simulation, and free health screenings, including blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, uric acid, and dementia screening.

Uniquely, this activity ran alongside a posyandu (integrated health post) for toddlers. The atmosphere was warm, as children and grandparents greeted each other, creating intergenerational interactions rarely seen in public spaces.

“Antusiasme peserta luar biasa. Banyak yang bertanya dan berbagi pengalaman. Kami berharap kegiatan ini membantu lansia lebih peduli pada kesehatannya dan keluarga lebih siap memberikan dukungan,” kata Rahmat Hidayat, Ketua RW 08 Bella Casa.

The TULUS activities, chaired by Sri Yona, S.Kp., M.N., Ph.D., were also supported by a team of lecturers from FIK UI: Prof. Dra. Elly Nurachmah, M.App.Sc., DNSc; Prof. Dr. Yati Afiyanti, S.Kp., M.N.; Dr. Ns. Dikha Ayu Kurnia, S.Kep., M.Kep., Sp.Kep.MB; Yossie Susanti Eka Putri, S.Kp., M.N., Ph.D.; Ns. Anggri Noorana Zahra, S.Kep., M.Sc.; and Ns. Chiyar Edison, S.Kep., M.Sc. Also participating was Dr. Rita Ismail, S.Kp., M.K.M., MTD (HE), Ph.D. from Universitas Veteran Jakarta.

Not only lecturers, but graduate students also took part in the activities. They included Asep Solahudin, Alfi Kurnia Adha, Iis Puspitasari, Ganar Rajni Fathariq, Indira Mastura Pulungan, Ceacilia Nika Candra Kusuma, Ns. Sitta Diani Fichara, and Sudirman Efendi.

At the end of the activities, participants took home blood pressure monitors, a simple yet meaningful symbol for self-health monitoring. Through TULUS, FoN UI emphasizes that caring for older adults is not just a medical matter. It is about accompanying them to prevent loneliness, helping them maintain memory, and protecting them from vulnerability. After all, growing old is a stage of life that deserves to be lived healthily, happily, and with dignity.