NERS NEWS — Nursing Clinical Practice (PKK) students from the Gerontic Nursing rotation, Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga, organized a Group Activity Therapy (TAK) session for elderly residents at UPTD Griya Werdha Kalijudan, Surabaya, on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. Carrying the theme “Creativity-Based Cognitive, Sensory-Motor, and Psychosocial Stimulation Through Origami Wall Hanging Crafts and Painting Hopes,” this initiative aimed to optimize cognitive function, enhance fine motor skills, provide sensory stimulation, and boost psychosocial well-being through interactive and creative engagement.
The activity commenced by dividing the residents into small groups, each guided by a designated Liaison Officer (LO). The elderly participants were then given the autonomy to select their preferred colors of origami paper and keychain media. With great enthusiasm, the residents painted keychains, folded origami into various shapes, wrote down their personal hopes, and assembled their crafts into colorful wall hangings. Throughout the session, the students closely assisted each resident to ensure they could complete every step comfortably and joyfully.
The atmosphere was filled with warmth and lively interaction. Beyond training hand-eye coordination, the session served as a therapeutic medium for the residents to share life stories, experiences, and deep-seated wishes through their handiwork. The finished pieces showcased the unique creativity and character of each participant, serving as a deeply meaningful form of self-expression.
Muhammad Dendi Priatna, the Project Leader, emphasized that group activity therapy is a highly effective approach to supporting holistic elderly care. “Through simple activities like painting, folding origami, and writing down hopes, the elderly not only stimulate their motor and cognitive faculties but also gain a dedicated space to socialize, express themselves, and build self-confidence through their tangible achievements,” he explained.
One of the elderly residents shared their joy regarding the program: “I am absolutely delighted to be able to make these crafts with my friends. The activity is wonderful, far from boring, and it reminds me of the days when I used to do handiwork. I am also happy that I could write down my hopes and see what we made together.”
Through this program, the Unair nursing students hope to deliver a meaningful experience for the elderly while actively supporting efforts to elevate their quality of life. Such group-based creative exercises are expected to serve as sustainable, engaging stimuli to maintain the physical, cognitive, and social functions of late-adult populations.
Furthermore, this initiative directly contributes to the realization of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being: Elevating the quality of life and holistic well-being of the elderly through psychological and sensory-motor stimulation.
- SDG 4: Quality Education: Enhancing practice-based clinical competencies for nursing students.
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: Ensuring inclusive social care and health promotion for vulnerable elderly populations.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: Strengthening institutional collaboration between educational bodies and public social services.
The Group Activity Therapy at UPTD Griya Werdha Kalijudan proceeded smoothly and concluded with overwhelmingly positive feedback. By painting their hopes and constructing origami wall hangings, the residents gained a fulfilling opportunity to remain active, productive, and socially connected to their environment. This initiative stands as a concrete contribution by the Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga, toward fostering a healthy, active, and happy elderly community.
Author: Muhammad Dendi Priatna
Editor: Farah Dina Azizatul Aulia (Airlangga Nursing Journalist)
