Ruang senja: edukasi dan pendampingan kesehatan mental untuk meningkatkan kesejahteraan psikologis lansia di Desa Tlompakan Ruang senja: mental health education and support to improve the psychological well-being of the elderly in Tlompakan Village

Abstrak

Permasalahan kesehatan mental pada lansia di Dusun Tlompakan Krajan masih sering terabaikan akibat berbagai perubahan, seperti penurunan kondisi fisik, berkurangnya peran sosial, kehilangan pasangan, serta terbatasnya interaksi dengan keluarga. Kondisi tersebut memicu perasaan kesepian, kecemasan, dan kesedihan yang kerap dipendam. Minimnya ruang berbagi dan rendahnya literasi kesehatan mental menyebabkan lansia berisiko mengalami isolasi sosial serta penurunan kualitas hidup secara menyeluruh. Sebagai respons terhadap permasalahan tersebut, KKN GIAT 15 UNNES bersama Bidan Desa Tlompakan melaksanakan program Ruang Senja sebagai bentuk edukasi dan pendampingan kesehatan mental bagi lansia. Metode yang digunakan ceramah interaktif, diskusi dan berbagi pengalaman, permainan pengenalan emosi dan refleksi rasa syukur, serta praktik relaksasi menggunakan teknik pernapasan perut (deep breathing) dan butterfly hug. Hasil kegiatan menunjukkan lansia hadir dan mengikuti seluruh rangkaian kegiatan, peserta mulai berani berbagi pengalaman dalam diskusi, peserta mampu memahami dan menjelaskan pentingnya menjaga kesehatan jiwa, serta sebagian besar lansia terlihat lebih rileks setelah sesi relaksasi. Program ini membantu lansia merasa lebih dihargai, tidak sendirian, dan termotivasi untuk tetap aktif secara sosial maupun emosional. Kegiatan Ruang Senja diharapkan menjadi langkah awal dalam membangun komunitas yang lebih peduli terhadap kesejahteraan psikologis lansia.

Abstract

Mental health issues among the elderly in Tlompakan Krajan Hamlet are often overlooked due to various changes, such as declining physical condition, reduced social roles, loss of a partner, and limited interaction with family. These conditions trigger feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and sadness that are often suppressed. The lack of sharing spaces and low mental health literacy put the elderly at risk of social isolation and a decline in overall quality of life. In response to these problems, KKN GIAT 15 UNNES, together with the Tlompakan Village Midwife, implemented the Senja Room program as a mental health education and support program for the elderly. The methods used were interactive lectures, discussions, and experience sharing, games for recognizing emotions and reflecting on gratitude, and relaxation practices using deep breathing and butterfly hug techniques. The results of the activity showed that the elderly were present and participated in all activities; participants began to dare to share their experiences in discussions; participants were able to understand and explain the importance of maintaining mental health; and most of the elderly appeared more relaxed after the relaxation session. This program helps seniors feel more valued, less alone, and motivated to stay socially and emotionally active. The Senja Room program is expected to be the first step toward building a community that cares more about seniors' psychological well-being.