Ergonomic Gymnastics Education in an Effort to Improve the Functional Abilities of the Elderly

ABSTRACT
Health is often neglected by the elderly. Lack of physical activity causes a decline in health quality of elderly. The same thing is also experienced by the elderly at Posyandu Lansia Desa Gentan. Another problem is the low of health awareness and education about the importance of Ergonomic Gymnastics for elderly. So, the PkM team initiate to provide Ergonomic Gymnastic education for the elderly at Posyandu Lansia Desa Gentan. This exercise applies ergonomic movements to correct the posture, nerve flexibility, blood circulation and improve the functional abilities of the elderly. The purpose of this program is to improve the functional abilities of the elderly, do light physical activities and improve the life quality of the elderly. The approach used is a qualitative approach with a descriptive analysis method. The subjects used were 30 elderly at Posyandu Lansia Desa Gentan. The method of implementing the activity is socialization and education, demonstration of ergonomic gymnastic movements, ergonomic gymnastic practice with the elderly, and discussion-question answer sessions. The activities flow are preparation, implementation and monitoring evaluation. This PkM program was succeeded in reducing the health complaints of elderly, before doing this exercise an average decrease of 72%. It means that Ergonomic Gymnastic has a good impact on the health of elderly, especially if they do routinely and consistently.
Keywords: Ergonomic Gymnastics, Elderly, Functional Abilities