"To realize healthy, independent, active, productive, and dignified (SMART) elderly, they must consistently receive assistance in the spiritual, intellectual, vocational or hobby, social, physical, and mental health, emotional well-being, and environmental aspects," acting head of BKKBN Bengkulu Province Zainin noted in his official statement received here Sunday.
Data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS) in 2020 showed the elderly population in the country reached 26.82 million people, or 9.92 percent of Indonesia's population. Thus, Indonesia is approaching an aging population because the number of elderly people has almost exceeded the 10 percent mark, he said.
Meanwhile, in Bengkulu, the number of elderly people amounts to 10.06 percent, or 202,273 people out of 2,010,670 residents.
The increase in the elderly population nationally is caused by the health and socio-economic development carried out by the Indonesian government, which increases life expectancy, Zainin said.
Considering that more elderly people in Indonesia have a low level of education and economy, the government decided to develop various policies as part of its comprehensive efforts to reduce the elderly's burden on the family and society by exploring their potential, he remarked.
Zainin addressed the fact that the establishment of an elderly school was carried out by the Elderly Family Development Group program (BKL) and aims to prepare the elderly to become smart individuals.
In Bengkulu, there are four elderly schools located in Kepahiang, North Bengkulu, and Seluma districts. Meanwhile, the fourth elderly school, which was recently inaugurated on April 13, is located in the Rejang Lebong district, he informed.
"The elderly school program also aims to address the challenges of the fast aging process." "The government is anticipating the aging process, especially to help those who come from low-income families," he said.
In addition, head of Rejang Lebong district Syamsul Effendi hopes that with the increasing number of schools for the elderly, they will become productive in their old age.
Related news: Govt formulating policy to ensure independent elderly population
Related news: Data integration aids in eradicating extreme poverty in elderly: BKKBN
Related news: Eight provinces experiencing population aging: BKKBN
Translator: Hreeloita Dharma S, Resinta S
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2023
