NERS NEWS (Friday, 27/02/2026) – Clinical Nursing Practice students from the Regular Program of the Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga (Unair), conducted a health education program titled “Clean Elderly, Healthier Life” at UPTD Liponsos Kalijudan, Surabaya, on Friday, February 27, 2026. This initiative targeted active and independent elderly residents to enhance their understanding of personal hygiene as a vital step in maintaining health and quality of life in their senior years.
During the session, students provided education on elderly personal hygiene, covering skin care, hair, oral health, nail care, genital hygiene, and environmental cleanliness. The material was delivered using simple language to ensure accessibility. At the start of the event, each participant received a leaflet to serve as both a visual guide and reference material for future use.
The students explained that personal hygiene in the elderly is often hindered by physiological changes due to aging, such as decreased muscle strength, joint pain, vision impairment, and limited mobility. These conditions can make it difficult for seniors to bathe, brush their teeth, trim their nails, or change clothes independently. Consequently, participants were encouraged to maintain their hygiene according to their individual capacities, focusing on safe and gradual methods.
Beyond explaining the importance of hygiene, the students detailed the risks of poor self-care, including skin infections, body odor, dental issues, and skin lesions. The residents also received practical guidance on proper routines: regular bathing twice a day, routine hair washing, brushing teeth at least twice daily, periodic nail trimming, and wearing clean attire.
The program, conducted by the Regular Nursing students of Unair at UPTD Liponsos Kalijudan, took place from 01:30 PM to 02:00 PM WIB. The participants, consisting of active elderly residents of the facility, showed great enthusiasm throughout the event.
This initiative aimed to raise awareness about the role of daily hygiene in maintaining health, comfort, and self-confidence, ultimately allowing the elderly to carry out their activities more effectively. Furthermore, the program supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, by focusing on promotive and preventive measures for the geriatric population.
As part of the session, students demonstrated the World Health Organization’s (WHO) six-step handwashing technique. The demonstration was conducted slowly and interactively, allowing all participants to practice each step alongside the student demonstrators.
Additionally, the students led the elderly in simple seated foot exercises. The movements included pointing toes up and down, rotating ankles, and alternating leg lifts. These exercises are designed to improve blood circulation, maintain leg muscle strength, and reduce joint stiffness.
The event concluded with a Q&A session, where several residents actively asked about safe ways to maintain hygiene given their specific physical conditions. As a token of appreciation, the students provided small gifts to all participants who completed the session.
Through this activity, Universitas Airlangga nursing students hope to continue contributing to public health knowledge. The education provided is intended to go beyond short-term benefits, helping the elderly form sustainable, healthy living habits for the long term.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being
Author: Elsa Ayu Violita
Editor: Farah Dina Azizatul Aulia (Airlangga Nursing Journalist)
