The Faculty of Medicine at Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) organized a Community Service Program (PKM) for older adults aged 60 years and above. The program combined health education, medical examinations, and research data collection to improve the quality of life of older adults while contributing to scientific development in the field of muscle health.
The activity was held on Friday, July 3, 2026, at the Integrated Laboratory of the UNY Faculty of Medicine in collaboration with 50 members of the UNY Retirees Association (Ikapen). All services were provided free of charge, and participants' personal data and examination results were kept strictly confidential by the organizing team.
In addition to health education sessions, the Faculty of Medicine team conducted comprehensive health examinations to assess participants' overall health conditions. As part of a research project on muscle health among older adults, willing participants also took part in data collection through brief interviews, calf circumference measurements, the finger-ring test, handgrip strength assessments, body composition analysis using InBody/BIA, walking speed tests, and HbA1c examinations to evaluate long-term blood glucose control.
The program coordinator, Prof. Dr. dr. Rachma Laksmi Ambardini, stated that the initiative reflects the Faculty of Medicine's commitment to improving community health, particularly among older adults.
"Through this community service program, we aim to enhance public awareness of the importance of maintaining muscle health in later life through education and early detection. The data collected from participants will also contribute to research aimed at developing effective strategies for the prevention and management of sarcopenia, ultimately supporting healthier, more active, and independent older adults," she said.
The Professor of Exercise Physiology explained that sarcopenia is a condition characterized by the progressive loss of muscle mass, strength, and function associated with aging. The condition often goes unnoticed despite its significant impact, including an increased risk of falls, fractures, loss of independence, and reduced quality of life.
"Sarcopenia is not merely a natural consequence of aging. It is a condition that can be prevented or its progression delayed if detected early. Through proper education, simple health screenings, appropriate physical activity, and adequate nutrition, older adults can maintain their muscle strength and continue to lead healthy, active, and independent lives," she added.
This community service initiative represents the Faculty of Medicine's ongoing efforts to improve public health literacy, promote early detection of sarcopenia risk, and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), through preventive, educational, and collaborative approaches to enhancing the health and well-being of older adults.
One of the participants, Merry Suharini, expressed her appreciation for the program. She noted that the examinations helped older adults recognize the decline in their muscle strength and encouraged them to maintain their physical fitness and muscle health.
"This program is highly beneficial for both pre-elderly and elderly individuals. We hope activities like this can be conducted regularly and sustained in the future," she said.
Through this initiative, the UNY Faculty of Medicine hopes to encourage more older adults to understand the importance of maintaining muscle health and undergoing regular health check-ups. The research findings are also expected to contribute to the development of evidence-based healthcare services for older adults in Indonesia.
