Edukasi Makanan Sehat Bergizi Sebagai Upaya Meningkatkan Kesehatan Lansia

Abstract

The elderly are a group vulnerable to nutritional issues, a condition stemming from the biological, physical, and psychological aging processes. Meeting nutritional needs through healthy food is a cornerstone for maintaining quality of life and preventing degenerative diseases in the elderly. A balanced nutritional intake is expected to positively influence the nutritional status and long-term health of older adults. This community service initiative aimed to provide education on the nutritional requirements and dietary needs of the elderly, specifically for members of the Asuhan Mandiri (ASMAN) TOGA Clitoria ternatea group in Wage Village, Taman District, Sidoarjo Regency, East Java.The methods employed included education and discussions covering the nutritional needs of the elderly, the "My Plate" (Isi Piringku) dietary guidelines, and an understanding of free radicals as agents that accelerate health decline in humans. The results indicate an improved understanding among the elderly regarding the importance of vegetables and fruits for maintaining health, as well as their role in counteracting free radicals. Following the educational sessions, members of the ASMAN TOGA Clitoria ternatea group have shown increased enthusiasm for cultivating vegetables and fruits, in addition to the medicinal plants they were already growing. It is hoped that, having received this education, the members of the ASMAN TOGA Clitoria ternatea group will be able to provide ongoing education on healthy eating to the broader community in Wage Village, thereby raising nutritional awareness and supporting health self-reliance among the elderly at the village level.