NERS NEWS — Nursing Profession Education Program students of the Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga (Unair), Community and Family Nursing Rotation, Second Wave, conducted an Elderly Health Working Group activity at the Family Posyandu, RW 01 Community Hall, Gebang Putih Village, Sukolilo District, Surabaya, on Monday, September 7, 2026.
The activity, which targeted elderly residents in RW 01, carried the theme “Education on Diabetes Mellitus Management in the Elderly through the Innovation of Low-Sugar Pumpkin Pudding.” The education was provided to improve elderly residents’ understanding of Diabetes Mellitus management through the implementation of a healthy diet, particularly the 3J diet principles (Tepat Jadwal, Tepat Jumlah, dan Tepat Jenis — Proper Schedule, Proper Amount, and Proper Type). In addition, the students provided education on choosing recommended foods and foods that need to be limited, limiting added sugar, engaging in physical activity according to ability, adhering to medication and health check-ups, and choosing healthier snacks.
As a form of innovation, the students introduced low-sugar pumpkin pudding as an alternative snack for elderly people with Diabetes Mellitus. Pumpkin was selected as the main ingredient because it contains fiber and various bioactive components that can be part of a healthy diet.
In the preparation demonstration, the pudding was made using 250 grams of steamed pumpkin, 400 ml of unsweetened low-fat milk, one sachet of plain agar-agar powder, low-calorie sweetener, vanilla, and a small amount of salt. Egg yolk can be added optionally to obtain a softer pudding texture.
The preparation process began by steaming the pumpkin until tender and then mashing it. The mashed pumpkin was mixed with milk, agar-agar, low-calorie sweetener, vanilla, and a small amount of salt. All ingredients were stirred until evenly combined, then cooked over medium heat while continuously stirring until boiling. Once cooked, the mixture was poured into molds and cooled until the pudding was ready to serve.
The students emphasized that low-sugar pumpkin pudding is not a substitute for medication or Diabetes Mellitus therapy, but rather one snack option that can support the implementation of a healthy diet by limiting the use of added sugar.
The activity proceeded smoothly, orderly, and interactively. The elderly participants appeared enthusiastic in following the education and actively participated in the question-and-answer session. Through this activity, the students hope that elderly residents will increasingly understand the importance of Diabetes Mellitus management, particularly in choosing daily foods and snacks, and be able to utilize simple food ingredients such as pumpkin to create healthier and more appealing preparations.
Writer: Danella Aura Shiifa
