Through Art Therapy, IPB Students Bring Smiles, Laughter and Nostalgia to the Elderly, Carrying the Aki and Nini Hebat Programme
In the framework of the implementation of the Student Creativity Programme for Community Service (PKM-PM), a group of IPB University students closed the empowerment programme at the Muara Kasih Christian Elderly Care Home (RPUK) with meaning and emotion.
“In the midst of the hustle and bustle of modern life, we often forget that there are groups of people who need attention and affection, namely the elderly. Realising this, we were moved to bring a new spirit to the elderly at RPUK Muara Kasih,” said Muhammad Marhan Irakas as team leader.
Carrying the KiNi Hebat programme, the IPB University students presented creative and educational activities aimed at improving the psychological well-being of the elderly. KiNi means “Aki and Nini” (grandparents in Sundanese).
This activity was initiated by Muhammad Marhan Irakas and his four team members, Manik Nurul Alfiyyah, Dimas Arya Pratama, Vellicia Angeline Purwanto, and Raihan Galang Pratama. The team was also accompanied by an IPB University lecturer at the Department of Science Communication Community Development (SKPM), who is also a psychologist, Dr Ratri Virianita.
Art therapy is collaborated with the six dimensions of Psychological Well-being. Through painting and other art activities, the elderly are invited to express themselves, release stress, and build a sense of happiness.
“Art therapy has been proven effective in improving the psychological well-being of individuals, including the elderly,” explained Rakas, the KiNi Hebat team leader.
Furthermore, Rakas said that through art activities, he hopes the aki and nini can express their emotions freely, increase their creativity, and build their confidence again.
He revealed that this art therapy activity was welcomed enthusiastically by the elderly. They look happy and enthusiastic when painting, drawing, and participating in various other art activities. “Their faces full of smiles and laughter are proof that this activity has brought happiness to them,” he said.
More than Just Art Activities
Not only focusing on art activities, the programme also provides the elderly with skills in making pot crafts and planting ornamental plants, to making ecoprint handkerchiefs.
“We want the aki and nini to not only get pleasure from art activities, but also get skills that are easy to do and useful,” said Manik and Dimas.
In addition to art therapy, the KiNi Hebat PKM PM IPB University Team also presented a nostalgic board game that brought the elderly back to their youth, as well as a great way to trigger fond memories and laughter together.
Vellicia and Tama added that nostalgia board games are not only fun, but can also improve the cognitive and social functions of the elderly. These games can help the elderly to practice focus, concentration, and socialisation skills.
Positive Impact and New Hope
Rakas admitted that this PKM PM activity has had a positive impact on the elderly at RPUK Muara Kasih. They look more cheerful, more active, and more confident, and are more open to communicating and establishing social relationships with others.
“We are very happy with the results we have achieved. We hope this activity can provide sustainable benefits for the elderly and can inspire more people to care about the psychology of the elderly,” said Rakas.
According to him, the PKM PM IPB University team is a real example of how students can contribute positively to society. Through creative and educational activities, the KiNi Hebat team succeeded in bringing new enthusiasm and happiness to the elderly at RPUK Muara Kasih.
“This inspiring story shows that with care and creativity, we can make the world a better place for everyone,” Rakas concluded. (*/Rz) (IAAS/RUM)
