PROFICIO · Nov 2026
Implementation of Integrated Exercise to Control Blood Pressure, Osteoarthritis, and Dementia in Older Adults at the Papua Elderly Care Home
By Kardi IS, Oktavian ID, Ita S et al.
Older adults experience various physiological changes that increase the risk of degenerative diseases such as hypertension, osteoarthritis, and dementia. This community service activity aimed to implement an integrated exercise program for older adults at an elderly care home in Papua as a nonpharmacological intervention to control blood pressure, reduce joint pain due to osteoarthritis, and slow the progression of dementia. The approach used was Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD), with methods consisting of health education, demonstrations of integrated exercise encompassing low-intensity aerobic exercise, joint exercises (ROM exercise), and brain exercises (brain gym), and support over eight weeks at a frequency of 1 time per week. The respondents were 25 older adults aged 60-85 years. Evaluation results showed mean reductions in systolic blood pressure of 12.4 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure of 7.8 mmHg, a mean reduction in osteoarthritis pain scores of 1.8 points on the VAS (Visual Analogue Scale), and an improvement in cognitive function based on Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) scores of 2.3 points. This activity proves that an integrated exercise program implemented regularly and in a structured manner is effective as a health promotion and prevention measure in managing the health of older adults at the Papua Elderly Care Home. This community service activity provides important recommendations for elderly care homes, particularly in Papua, to integrate structured exercise programs into routine care for older adults.