The Faculty of Medicine at Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) organized a Community Service Program (PkM) aimed at adults aged 60 years and above to raise awareness of sarcopenia—the age-related loss of muscle mass, strength, and function. The program combined health education, medical examinations, and research data collection to improve the quality of life of older adults while contributing to scientific knowledge on muscle health.

The activity was held on Friday, July 3, 2026, at the Integrated Laboratory of the UNY Faculty of Medicine, in collaboration with 50 members of the UNY Retirees Association (Ikatan Pensiunan UNY/Ikapen). All services were provided free of charge, and participants' personal data and examination results were kept strictly confidential by the organizing team.

In addition to educational sessions, the Faculty of Medicine team conducted comprehensive health examinations to assess the participants' overall health conditions. As part of a research project on muscle health in older adults, participants who consented also underwent data collection through brief interviews, calf circumference measurements, the finger-ring test, handgrip strength assessment, body composition analysis using InBody/Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA), walking speed tests, and HbA1c testing to evaluate long-term blood sugar control.

The program coordinator, Prof. Dr. dr. Rachma Laksmi Ambardini, explained that the initiative represents the Faculty of Medicine's tangible contribution to improving public health, particularly among the elderly population.

"Through this community service program, we aim to increase public understanding of the importance of maintaining muscle health in later life through education and early detection. The data collected from participants will also become an important part of our research to develop strategies for preventing and managing sarcopenia, ultimately supporting healthier, more active, and independent older adults," she said.

The Professor of Exercise Physiology further explained that sarcopenia is a condition characterized by the progressive decline of muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical function as people age. Although it often goes unnoticed, the condition can significantly increase the risk of falls, fractures, loss of independence, and a reduced quality of life among older adults.

This community service initiative forms part of the Faculty of Medicine's broader effort to improve public health literacy, promote the early detection of sarcopenia, and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly: SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being SDG 4 – Quality Education SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals

The program emphasizes promotive, preventive, educational, and collaborative approaches to enhancing the health and quality of life of older adults.

Through this initiative, the Faculty of Medicine at Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta hopes that more older adults will recognize the importance of maintaining muscle health and undergo regular health screenings. The research findings generated through the program are also expected to contribute to the development of evidence-based healthcare services for Indonesia's aging population, supporting healthier, more active, and independent lives.