The increasing number of elderly people in Indonesia is becoming a\nchallenge that requires serious attention, particularly regarding\nindependence and quality of life. According to data from the Central\nBureau of Statistics (BPS) for the first half of 2026, the elderly\npopulation has reached 34 million, or 12 per cent of the total\npopulation, and is predicted to surge to 40 million by 2030.<\/p>\n
Responding to this condition, a team of Agrotechnology lecturers from\nthe Faculty of Agriculture at Universitas Respati Indonesia (Urindo)\nJakarta provided microgreen training to 20 elderly residents in Bambu\nApus, Cipayung, East Jakarta, on 1 September. The Project Leader for\nCommunity Service (PKM), Reni Nurjasim, explained that introducing\nmicrogreens is vital because many elderly individuals have limited\nknowledge regarding functional foods and plant cultivation in narrow\nspaces.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis activity aims to increase the knowledge and skills of the\nelderly community through the cultivation and processing of microgreens\nas a healthy food source that can be implemented on limited land,\u201d said\nReni on Tuesday (10\/9). According to Reni, the elderly require not only\nhealth support but also productive activities to enhance their social\nroles and their ability to meet family food needs independently within\nurban environments.<\/p>\n
During the practical session, team member Maria Aditia Wahyuningrum\nexplained that participants were trained to cultivate pakcoy microgreens\nusing cocopeat media in thin-wall plastic containers. The process\nincluded media preparation, planting, maintenance, and harvesting.<\/p>\n
\u201cParticipants also utilise the harvest to be processed into various\nhealthy food products such as salads, juices, sandwiches, and omelettes.\nThis demonstrates that simple agricultural technology can support family\nfood security and productive activities for the elderly,\u201d explained\nMaria.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Siti M. Sholihah added that microgreens are young plants\nharvested at the early growth stage. These plants hold great potential\nas functional foods because they are rich in vitamins, minerals,\ncarotenoids, and phenolic compounds.<\/p>\n
\u201cMicrogreen cultivation serves as an alternative urban agriculture\ntechnology suitable for the elderly because the production cycle is\nshort, space requirements are low, and it can be carried out in small\nareas such as house terraces,\u201d said Siti.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/empowering-the-elderly-through-microgreen-cultivation-1789113222", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }