UNAIR FKM students educate seniors on clean and healthy living

UNAIR NEWS — The Ministry of Community Services (Pengmas) under the Student Executive Board (BEM) Universitas Airlangga’s Faculty of Public Health (FKM) launched the LENTERA program, which stands for “Steps Toward a Prosperous Society.” Held on May 3, 2025, at the Hargo Dedali Senior Living Facility in Surabaya, the event began with an educational session on Clean and Healthy Living Behavior (PHBS) aimed at promoting healthy lifestyle habits among the elderly.

Event chair Rangga Aditya formally opened the program by emphasizing its alignment with three key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being). “Beyond education, this initiative also includes the distribution of essential food packages, with the goal of providing tangible benefits to the community,” he stated.

Promoting healthy living habits

Educating seniors on PHBS plays a vital role in preserving their well-being and autonomy. With age, the body becomes increasingly susceptible to illness due to physiological changes. The BEM FKM team highlighted that the immune system weakens over time, making older adults more vulnerable to disease.

“As people age, their immune response tends to diminish. Adopting PHBS practices—such as consuming a nutritious, balanced diet, getting sufficient rest, and engaging in regular light exercise—can significantly enhance the body’s resistance to illness,” the team noted.

The program also addressed the elevated risk older adults face from infectious diseases. Simple preventive behaviors, including frequent handwashing with soap and water, wearing masks when unwell, and maintaining clean surroundings, can greatly reduce the transmission of disease.

Additionally, many seniors live with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. “Adhering to PHBS—including maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in appropriate physical activity, and taking prescribed medications—is crucial for managing these illnesses and preventing complications,” they added.

Foundational pillars of PHBS

PHBS consists of several core practices. These include maintaining a balanced diet rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals while limiting sugar, salt, and saturated fat intake. Another key pillar is engaging in light-to-moderate physical activity suited to one’s ability—such as walking, senior aerobics, or gardening—for at least 30 minutes daily.

“Getting enough high-quality sleep—around 7 to 8 hours per night—is essential for restoring energy and supporting overall health. Personal hygiene practices, such as bathing regularly, maintaining oral hygiene, washing hands with soap and water, and keeping one’s home environment clean, are also integral to PHBS,” the team explained.

Following the educational session, the team provided free health screenings for the elderly as a proactive health measure. Maintaining physical wellness allows seniors to remain independent in their daily activities.

By adopting PHBS, older adults can stay active and avoid dependence on others. Routine exercise, meaningful social interactions, and quality sleep—all part of PHBS—also support mental well-being and help prevent depression among seniors.

Author: Arifatun Nazilah

Editor: Yulia Rohmawati