The ministry's director for vulnerable people's healthcare, Imran Pambudi, stated that to commemorate National Seniors Day and observe Alzheimer's Awareness Month, his administration hosts health education and checkups for seniors at Sasana Tresna Werdha elderly housing, aiming to improve their productivity and dignity.
He noted that since 2021, the elderly population made up 10 percent, and according to Statistics Indonesia's 2024 data, this figure has risen to 12 percent.
Pambudi estimated that the elderly population will reach around 20 percent by 2045.
He reminded that the aging population could instead impede progress if they are unhealthy and vulnerable due to multiple diseases.
Since February 2025, some one million elderly people have participated in Free Health Checkup (CKG), and most were found to have dental problems and mobility issues, he pointed out.
He explained that these conditions can worsen senior health, as they may struggle to eat nutritious food comfortably and perform physical activities.
Moreover, some 30 percent of these elderly participants suffer from cognitive decline, he stated.
According to the 2023 National Health Survey (SKI), the top six diseases among the elderly are stroke, chronic kidney disease, cancer, heart diseases, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension.
He also drew attention to the Alzheimer's Disease International 2021 data, which shows that some 55 million people live with Alzheimer's disease. He remarked that the data predicts there will be 78 million with dementia by 2030.
Pambudi expressed hope that this event would raise awareness about maintaining physical, mental, and cognitive health.
"Growing old is inevitable, but becoming an old person who is healthy, independent, active, and productive is a choice," he stressed.
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Reporter: Mecca Yumna Ning Prisie
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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