NERS NEWS — Students from the Bachelor of Nursing Program, Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga, conducted Group Activity Therapy (GAT) focusing on motor and cognitive stimulation through fruit sando making for elderly residents at UPTD Griya Wredha Kalijudan. This activity aimed to improve fine motor skills, cognitive function, social interaction, and provide education on healthy eating patterns for older adults through a creative and enjoyable activity.
The Group Activity Therapy (GAT) for motor and cognitive stimulation through fruit sando making was carried out by students from the Bachelor of Nursing Program, Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga, at UPTD Griya Wredha Kalijudan. This activity was designed as a nursing modality therapy aimed at helping older adults maintain fine motor abilities, improve cognitive function, and enhance social interaction through meaningful and enjoyable activities. During the session, elderly participants were introduced to the tools and ingredients used, followed simple instructions, and prepared fruit sando independently with guidance from the students.
Throughout the activity, the elderly participants showed great enthusiasm in every step of making fruit sando, from preparing the ingredients, arranging fruits based on their creativity, to presenting the final product. This activity not only trained hand-eye coordination but also helped improve concentration, memory, the ability to follow instructions, and self-confidence among the elderly. In addition, the warm and interactive group atmosphere provided opportunities for participants to communicate and interact with fellow residents.
This activity was initiated based on the importance of maintaining physical and cognitive function in older adults, who naturally experience aging processes. Through creative activities such as fruit sando making, elderly participants received stimulation involving motor, cognitive, social, and emotional aspects simultaneously. Furthermore, the activity also provided education about the importance of consuming fruits as sources of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants that are beneficial for maintaining health and preventing various degenerative diseases in old age.
The implementation of this activity also supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being through efforts to improve the health and well-being of older adults; SDG 4: Quality Education through practical health education; SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities by providing equal opportunities for elderly individuals to access activities that support health and quality of life; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through collaboration between Universitas Airlangga’s Faculty of Nursing and UPTD Griya Wredha Kalijudan.
Through this activity, it is hoped that older adults can remain active, independent, and productive according to their abilities. The Group Activity Therapy through fruit sando making serves as one of the contributions of Universitas Airlangga Faculty of Nursing students in supporting elderly health and improving their quality of life through enjoyable promotive and preventive approaches. With similar activities carried out continuously, it is expected that older adults will be able to maintain their physical, cognitive, and social functions, enabling them to experience healthier, more active, and more prosperous aging.
Writer: C7 Clinical Nursing Practice Group, Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga
