UMM Students Reduce Elderly Stress through Hydroponic Serenity

Author : Humas | Wednesday, June 26, 2024 10:38 WIB

Harvest results of UMM hydroponic team (Photo: Riri Humas).

Having a healthy and prosperous life is a dream for everyone, including the elderly. However, the majority of elderly people face social isolation risks, feeling unloved and forgotten. This can affect their psychological condition and well-being. Recognizing this, a team of students from the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) innovated by utilizing hydroponic serenity as a stress reduction method for the elderly. Interestingly, this idea secured funding from the Ministry of Education and Culture (Kemdikbud) and Ministry of Research and Technology (Ristek) Student Creativity Program (PKM) 2024.

Nisrina Nabila Nasywa, the team leader, stated that this PKM focuses on community service schemes aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which aims for good health and well-being. According to gathered data, horticultural therapy can alleviate depression and anxiety, thereby enhancing physical health and cognitive abilities among the elderly. This drove them to develop the innovation titled "Hydroponic Serenity with Gen Z."

"Horticultural therapy through hydroponics is complementary and an alternative therapy for the elderly. It involves activities like caring for plants and exploring emotions in the process, which promotes psychological stability and enhances physical and social well-being for the elderly," she explained.

Riri, as she is familiarly called, also mentioned that the program is implemented in several locations, including at the Muslimat Nahdlatul Ulama Rodhiyatan Mardhiyah Elderly Boarding School in Batu City, East Java. Currently, several hydroponic plants have been cultivated with the elderly, such as water spinach, pak choi, green spinach, and red spinach. She noted that these vegetables are nutritious and aesthetically pleasing, beneficial for the psychological and physical health of the elderly, and can be actively consumed daily.

Throughout the process, the team has collaborated with the Social Services and Health Department of Batu City for program sustainability. Collaborative efforts include weekly muscle exercises for the elderly, monthly health check-ups, and facility support for the elderly boarding school.

"To maximize this program, we will also create modules and guidelines for partners on managing hydroponic serenity as a stress reduction method for the elderly. This initiative will be officially approved by UMM's Vice Rector III for Student Affairs and signed by the chairman of the elderly boarding school foundation," she added.

Lastly, the fourth-semester student expressed hope that their team's innovation can prevent elderly boredom through hydroponic plants, thereby fostering sustained happiness. She emphasized that this program will continue to expand to various places and locations. In carrying out this initiative, Riri is supported by Akhdani Rikza Maniqtada, Novita Herawati, Mulya Fajar Bachtiar Idris, and Hidayat Saputra Yusuf. (ri/wil/fajr)

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