Community Service "Recognizing and preventing metabolic diseases in the elderly"

FIKES UPNVJ - The number of elderly people in the world is expected to increase to 2.1 billion by 2050. In Indonesia, the elderly comprise around 1 in 10 of the population and is expected to continue to increase to 40 million people (13.8%) by 2035. (Hastuti et al, 2024). As age increases, the function of body organs and other aspects can also decline. Several diseases and disorders in the body can develop in old age, one of which is disorders of the metabolic system. Groups of disorders that affect the body's metabolism, such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. Metabolic diseases often occur in the elderly due to changes in body function with age. Metabolic diseases can cause many serious complications and even death, therefore, recognizing and preventing this disease early is very important to improve the quality of life.

On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, a Health Education activity took place with the theme "Recognizing and Preventing Metabolic Diseases in the Elderly" which was carried out offline at the Dahlia Senja Posbindu, Limo Village, Limo District, Depok City. The number of participants who attended was around 25 participants consisting of 23 women and 2 elderly men. This activity aims to improve the understanding of the elderly regarding metabolic diseases.

The event began with a pre-test guided by the FIKES UPN "Veteran" Jakarta student team to determine the level of knowledge of the participants before the education was carried out. Furthermore, the event was opened by the MC from one of the Posbindu Dahlia Senja cadres, the event continued with the delivery of material by Ns. Chandra Tri Wahyudi, M.Kes., M.Kep regarding the introduction and prevention of metabolic diseases which include types of metabolic diseases, risk factors, prevention, myths/facts about metabolic diseases, and several interesting facts related to metabolic diseases.

The event continued with a question and answer session and sharing session from the participants, the participants shared their experiences related to metabolic diseases. Furthermore, the event continued with the closing of the first speaker, Ns. Chandra Tri Wahyudi, M.Kes., M.Kep. The event continued with the delivery of information related to nutritional consultation by Iin Fatmawati, S.Gz., MPH. Participants were allowed to ask questions to consult about food in order to prevent metabolic diseases, especially how to maintain a good and healthy diet during this fasting month. Iin Fatmawati, S.Gz., MPH briefly explained that when fasting, it is better not to consume excessive food when breaking the fast, because this can worsen the condition of the body. Iin Fatmawati, S.Gz., MPH suggested that when fasting, it is better to break the fast with mineral water and dates first, it is not recommended to break the fast with too many fried foods. After breaking the fast with mineral water and dates, it is recommended to rest (for those who do it) first, then consume a balanced heavy meal which contains protein, carbohydrates, fat, vegetables, and also fruits. The event went smoothly and according to the specified time. The elderly and also the cadres really enjoyed this useful knowledge provision event, because it turns out that there are still many elderly who do not know about metabolic diseases and how to deal with and control metabolic diseases. So the elderly were very happy to get knowledge provision that is in accordance with the conditions that are often felt at an age that is no longer young. The event was closed with a group photo of the team of lecturers, students, cadres and also the elderly Dahlia Senja who were extraordinarily active and also enthusiastic. After the group photo, it was continued with filling out a post-test to see how far the elderly understood the material that had been given. Filling out this post-test was guided and assisted by students. Then the event was closed with shaking hands.