Yogyakarta, November 15, 2025 — Students of the Master of Clinical Pharmacy Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) conducted a Community Service initiative themed “Healthy Elderly, Strong Digestion: Smart Medication Guide for Better Digestive Health.” The program took place on Saturday (15/11/2025) in Semaki, DIY Yogyakarta targeting elderly residents and elderly care giver as an effort of enhancing the quality of life among older adults, particularly related to age-associated digestive challenges The program aimed to enhance the elderly’s understanding of the digestive system, common gastrointestinal disorders, and the safe and rational use of medications to prevent worsening digestive conditions. The educational material included an introduction of gastrointestinal medicines, drugs that may cause digestive disorder, proper timing and methods of taking medications, common digestive problems experienced by the elderly, and daily tips for maintaining digestive health.
The activity was led by apt. Oswin Surya Agung, S.Farm., with team members apt. Dini Hayatur Rodiyah, S.Farm.; apt. Amila Dina, S.Farm.; apt. Baiq Nabila Khairani, S.Farm.; and apt. Faghfirlie, S.Farm., The group was supervised by Prof. Dr. apt. Agung Endro Nugroho, S.Si., M.Si., and Dr. apt. Fivy Kurniawati, S.Farm., M.Si.
The event began with an opening by the moderator, followed by remarks from the Head of the Semaki Elderly Commission, Mr. Priyono; the supervising lecturer, Prof. Dr. apt. Agung Endro Nugroho, M.Si.;, and the team coordinator (apt. Oswin Surya Agung, S.Farm.). A brief stretching exercise was conducted before the education session. The main interactive session was delivered by apt. Baiq Nabila Khairani, S.Farm., and apt. Faghfirlie, S.Farm., accompanied by educational games, door prizes, and the distribution of an elderly-friendly pocketbook on digestive health and medication use “Elderly age is considered the golden phase of life, where individuals reach maturity with rich life experience. However, in reality, digestive functions decline due to aging; therefore, lifestyle adjustments are necessary to keep the digestive system healthy,” stated apt. Baiq Nabila during her presentation.
High enthusiasm was seen throughout the program. Participants actively listened, took notes, and asked questions related to the topic. The question-and-answer session was facilitated by all team members and supervising lecturers, with 10 elderly engaging directly with health concerns such as managing multiple routine medications. A pre-test and post-test assessment was conducted to measure the improvement in participants’ understanding after the education session. The activity concluded with the distribution of door prizes to winners of the games and to the earliest attendees as a form of appreciation.
Several elderly participants expressed gratitude and hope that similar elderly-focused health education programs could be conducted regularly. Before the event concluded, the Head of Semaki Village, Mrs. Markhistun Nadhiroh, S.KM., MPH, delivered her appreciation for the successful implementation of the educational program. The event was officially closed with the participants completing an evaluation form.
Through this initiative, the Master of Clinical Pharmacy Program at UGM seeks to contribute directly to improving health literacy in the community, especially among the elderly, while strengthening the role of clinical pharmacists in ensuring safe, appropriate, and patient-centered medication use to support a healthier and better quality of life in older age.2025