NERS NEWS— Surabaya, July 3 – Nursing students from Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) conducted a Group Activity Therapy (GAT) session entitled “Effective Communication Among Older Adult Patients” at Griya Werdha Jambangan, Surabaya, on Friday (July 3).
The activity was carried out as part of the implementation of gerontological nursing practice while also aiming to improve communication skills and social interaction among older adults. Effective communication is an essential aspect of fostering harmonious interpersonal relationships, particularly in environments where many older adults live together with diverse backgrounds and characteristics.
During the session, the students provided education on the importance of effective communication in everyday life. The older adults were encouraged to understand and practice good communication skills, such as speaking politely, listening attentively when others are talking, respecting others’ opinions, and expressing their own thoughts and feelings appropriately.
The activity was conducted interactively through discussions, question-and-answer sessions, and communication practice. The participants enthusiastically took part in the program and actively participated in every activity facilitated by the nursing students.
Through this program, the students not only provided education but also encouraged the older adults to improve their socialization skills and build positive relationships with one another. Positive social interaction is expected to create a more comfortable, harmonious, and supportive environment that promotes the psychosocial well-being of older adults.
The implementation of this Group Activity Therapy also served as a valuable learning experience for UNAIR nursing students in developing therapeutic communication skills and delivering nursing interventions tailored to the needs of older adults. The activity demonstrated that gerontological nursing care focuses not only on physical health but also on the psychological and social aspects of well-being.
With the successful implementation of this activity, it is hoped that the older adults at Griya Werdha Jambangan will apply effective communication skills in their daily lives and foster more positive social relationships with fellow residents and the surrounding community.
Author: Kelompok 2 Gelombang 4 Stase Keperawanannya Gerontik Profesi Ners B27
Editor: Nasya Puspita Anggraeni (Airlangga Nursing Journalist)
