Silver College: a Forum to Activate Potential Elderly in Higher Education
In commemorating the Elderly Day in Indonesia, Prof. Dr. Clara Meliyanti Kushartarto, M.Sc., Educative Staff of the Department of Community Nutrition, Faculty of Human Ecology (FEMA) IPB talked about theme "Silver College: a Forum to Activate Potential Elderly in Higher Education", in RRI Interactive Dialogue in Bogor on Tuesday (29/5 ).
Prof. Clara revealed that in general or nationally the number of the Elderly in Indonesia is approximately more than 32 million people. Given the population growth and Indonesia as one of the fastest in the population increase, she said that we have to anticipate this for example by creating a life expectancy program (life expectancy).
According to the Law of Republic of Indonesia No. 13/1998, said Prof. Clara, the Elderly people refer to those aged 60 years upward. The elderly are divided into two categories: potential elderly and non- potential elderly.
Potential Elderly are those who are healthy and productive, while the non-potential Elderly are physically weak, but they have the human rights that must be protected and need government attention. There are 20 percent non-potential elderly and 80 percent potential elderly.
"It is the potential Elderly that we try to cater for; one way is by forming the Silver College, a forum to activate potential elderly in Higher Education. This program was established in order to increase their productivity, especially involvement in the development. Elderly who are productive in a particular segment may contribute as observers, advisers, or at least share experiences with the younger generation. And in IPB, potential Elderly are contained in the IPB Society of Retired Employees," explained Prof. Clara.
Responding to the question of a listener talking about the elderly who take care of grandchildren, Prof. Clara said that such an elderly is very good. But if you want to do more with your time, you can join the movement of caring elderly. To keep working, a rigid physically strength is not necessary, but contribution of ideas can be transformed into social activities, gardening, etc.
Furthermore, says Prof Clara, the Social Services in each Local Government are expected to be active in solving these problems until they can spend their time on better activities so as not to burden the state. This can be done by establishing divisions that assist with health activities, knowledge, and information.
Meanwhile, the role of IPB in this case is in the effort to empower the elderly of health cadres around the campus, in cooperation with the local health center. (Mtd)
