NERS NEWS — Efforts to enhance the creativity and social interaction of older adults continue to be carried out through various enjoyable and educational therapeutic activities. Students of the Professional Nursing Program from the Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga conducted a Group Activity Therapy (TAK) session themed “Stimulating Elderly Creativity through Keychain Crafting Activities” on Sunday, May 9, 2026, at UPTD Griya Wreda & Liponsos Kusta Babat Jerawat.
This activity targeted independent elderly residents in the Bougenvil and Dahlia Rooms of Block C, with approximately 20 participants involved. The group activity therapy was designed as a creativity stimulation program aimed at improving fine motor skills, concentration, social interaction, and self-confidence among older adults through simple handicraft activities.
During the session, participants were invited to create daisy-shaped keychains using pipe cleaners as the main material. Before the practice session began, the facilitators first explained the objectives of the activity, introduced the tools and materials, and demonstrated the step-by-step process of making the keychains slowly and clearly to ensure it was easy for the elderly participants to follow. Afterwards, the elderly participants began practicing the crafting process with guidance from the facilitators. They appeared enthusiastic throughout every stage, from twisting the pipe cleaners and shaping the flower petals to assembling the keychains into attractive designs. Throughout the activity, participants were also encouraged to communicate and exchange stories with one another, creating a warm and interactive atmosphere.
This group activity therapy focused not only on the final craft products but also on the cognitive and motor stimulation processes that occurred during the activity. The process of arranging and shaping the wire helped train hand-eye coordination, improve concentration, and maintain the fine motor functions of older adults. In addition, the group setting helped enhance communication skills and social interaction among the elderly participants.
The activity was carried out in a conducive and enthusiastic atmosphere. Many participants proudly showed their creations at the end of the session. Several elderly participants also expressed their happiness at being able to join a creative activity that differed from their usual daily routines at the nursing home.
The implementation of this group activity therapy was motivated by the importance of providing creativity stimulation for older adults to prevent declines in cognitive and psychosocial functions associated with the aging process. A lack of creative activities may cause older adults to feel bored, less productive, and socially withdrawn. Therefore, group activity therapy serves as an effective approach to help older adults remain physically, mentally, and socially active. Simple activities such as making keychains can help improve concentration and fine motor skills while also increasing self-confidence through the ability to independently create handicrafts. Furthermore, the crafting process serves as a means of social interaction that fosters a warmer and more enjoyable environment for the elderly.
Through this activity, it is hoped that older adults can continue to stay active, productive, and have opportunities to express their creativity. In the future, similar group activity therapy programs are expected to continue being developed as a form of support in improving the quality of life and psychosocial well-being of older adults.
Writer: Ananda Putri Pratiwi
