“The Elders are the most precious treasure, because they possess invaluable experience and wisdom.”
On May 6, 2025, the Lentera Aksara Negeri (LAN) Foundation, in collaboration with the Dana Bantuan Foundation and the Pusat Santunan Keluarga/Pusaka 88 Group, held a free health check-up for approximately 50 elderly individuals in the Tambora area of West Jakarta. With the assistance of two doctors, dr. Shaniza and dr. Ghina, the health examination was conducted both centrally and through “home visits” to elderly individuals with mobility issues due to illness.
In the future, there are many things that can be further provided for these elderly individuals. Continuous intake of vitamin D and multivitamins is essential, especially considering their living conditions, which lack sunlight due to the close proximity of houses and lack of windows, resulting in poor ventilation. Counseling on how to consume healthy food at minimal cost is also crucial to provide knowledge to the elderly and prevent diseases caused by improper food intake.
Additionally, replacing sleeping mats and floor mattresses can be one of the programs implemented with the help of donors, allowing the elderly to have a more decent and healthy place to sleep, reducing the risk of Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI). Given their low standard of living, future health service programs could also include distribution of basic necessities and/or healthy and nutritious food packages for the elderly.
This small step has been meaningful for the elderly, as they can still feel cared for and loved in their old age, which is one form of happiness for them. For those interested in participating, whether through volunteer work, counseling, or donations, to provide more for these elderly individuals, please contact the LAN Secretariat at: info@lentera-aksara-negeri.org