LHOKSUKON (30 May 2024) - Social Affairs Minister Tri Rismaharini visited the elderly park at Lhoksukon Health Center in Lhoksukon City, North Aceh Regency. Upon arriving at the pavilion in the elderly park, which serves as an integrated elderly post, she found the elderly gathered to listen to a health education session from a local doctor. Minister Risma sat with them and patiently listened to each complaint from the elderly present.


"I am not here to inaugurate the park, but to listen to your concerns," Minister Risma told the gathered elders. A variety of topics were highlighted, most of which were health related. Minister Risma then arranged transportation to take the elderly to the North Aceh Regent's Office for free medical treatment.


Addressing common health issues among the elderly, such as hypertension and aches, Minister Risma encouraged them to use the elderly park facilities provided by the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) at Lhoksukon Health Center. The park features facilities like stone pathways and fish therapy for reflection and maintaining fitness. Additionally, there is a fruit garden where they can enjoy freshly picked fruits.


"Isn't it enjoyable to meet friends like this? It will eventually make you healthier, right? Because your immunity improves. And it is commanded by religion to maintain good relationships," advised Minister Risma, encouraging the elderly to use the park as a gathering space.  The elders gladly accepted her advice.


Halimah (61) beamed after Minister Risma listened to her complaint about her aching legs. The woman from Lhoksukon expressed joy over the elderly park's presence as it provided her with entertainment. "We are happy with this elderly park because it can entertain us. Especially since I live alone, so I'm very happy to be able to gather like this in the park," said Halimah, as she waited for her turn to visit the North Aceh Regent's Office for a free health check-up.


In addition to listening to the elderly's concerns in the park, Minister Risma reviewed elderly-owned SMEs in Lhoksukon. Those members of the Lansia Cinta Sehat community group exhibited their businesses, which produce traditional Acehnese snacks like keukarah, timphan (steamed banana dumpling), kue bhoi (a type of sponge cake), potato sticks, cassava serundeng, and various types of wet cakes and chips. There were also handicrafts made by the elderly, including sweet betel leaves, decorative betel arrangements, and woven mats.