NERS NEWS — Surabaya, June 12, 2026 — Students of the Nursing Professional Education Program from the Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga, during their Gerontic Nursing rotation, conducted a Group Activity Therapy (TAK) session using a play therapy method through crossword puzzle (TTS) activities for older adults in Block B of UPTD Griya Wreda Jambangan, Surabaya, on Friday (June 12) at 9:00 AM. The activity aimed to improve the cognitive function of older adults, particularly memory, concentration, and thinking skills, through enjoyable cognitive stimulation.
This activity was motivated by the aging process, which causes a decline in various body functions, including cognitive functions such as memory, orientation, and thinking ability. This condition can negatively affect the quality of life of older adults if appropriate stimulation is not provided. Therefore, group activity therapy through educational games such as crossword puzzles is considered an effective non-pharmacological intervention to help maintain cognitive abilities in older adults.
During the activity, the students delivered educational materials and facilitated crossword puzzle therapy designed to train memory, language skills, and problem-solving abilities among older adults. The puzzles were arranged in a grid format with across and down clues that participants completed individually or in groups. This activity also aimed to reduce boredom and enhance social interaction among the older adults.
The implementation methods included demonstrations, direct interaction, and guidance throughout the activity. During the session, facilitators distributed crossword worksheets and writing tools, then provided instructions on how to complete the puzzles. Participants were asked to fill in the answers based on the clues provided within a set time of 5–10 minutes. Throughout the activity, facilitators assisted participants to ensure the therapy ran smoothly while actively providing encouragement and motivation.
The crossword material used simple fruit-themed words such as watermelon, orange, durian, banana, salak, and rambutan. This approach was chosen because it was easier for older adults to understand and suited their cognitive abilities. In addition, the activity was designed to stimulate the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, which play important roles in memory and information recall processes.
Through this activity, Nursing Professional students are expected to implement their roles as educators and caregivers in providing nursing interventions for older adults. Group activity therapy based on educational games such as crossword puzzles is expected to become an effective method for maintaining cognitive function, improving the quality of life of older adults, and creating a more active and enjoyable care environment in nursing homes.
Writer: Anindiya Putri Rahmawati
