Towards Zero Pressure Ulcer, Support Healthy Elderly Free from Pressure Ulcers

JAKARTA - Based on official data from the 2025 Intercensal Population Survey released by the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), Indonesia is currently entering the aging population period where the number of people aged 60 years and over is estimated to reach around 34.07 million people, or 12% of the total population. This figure is predicted to continue to increase, so that the readiness of the right health and care service system is needed which is able to accommodate the needs of the elderly.

In commemoration of National Elderly Day (HLUN) in May, PT Uni-Charm Indonesia Tbk (Unicharm) through the Lifree adult diaper brand collaborated with the Indonesian National Nurses Association (PPNI) DKI Jakarta to hold a national webinar entitled "Towards Zero Pressure Ulcers: Comprehensive Nursing Management of Urine Incontinence & Skin Health for the Elderly". This activity presents health experts Dr. dr. Windy Keumala Budianti, Sp.D.V.E, Subsp.D.A.I., FINSDV, FAADV and Ns. Eka Widiati, M.Kep., Sp.Kep.An, ETN, and was attended by more than 1,000 medical personnel to deepen understanding of how to properly care for the elderly.

Dr. Windy Keumala Budianti, Sp.DVE, Subsp. DAI, FINSDV, FAADV explained that the elderly are at risk of developing decubitus ulcers due to constant pressure due to the body being in a static position for too long, as well as exposure to urine and feces that occur repeatedly on the skin so that it causes moisture, increases pH and damages the skin's protective function. This moist skin condition makes it easier to experience maseration, erosion, irritation, and is very susceptible to friction and shear. Q2 What kind of treatment can be done at home to prevent decubitus?

Ns. Eka Widiati, M.Kep., Sp.Kep.An, ETN membagikan lima langkah praktis bagi perawat maupun keluarga di rumah guna mencegah timbulnya luka dekubitus. Ubah posisi tubuh lansia secara berkala setiap 2 jam untuk meringankan tekanan konstan pada titik tumpu tubuh. Rutin lakukan pemeriksaan atau inspeksi kulit setiap hari. Hindari tindakan memijat area yang mulai memerah. Pastikan sprei tempat tidur selalu dalam kondisi rapi, kering. Terakhir, yang tidak kalah penting adalah adalah ketepatan dalam memilih popok dewasa guna memastikan area kulit bebas pengap, tetap kering, dan terhindar dari kelembapan berlebih".

Answering the challenge of the risk of decubitus wounds and the importance of maintaining the moisture of the elderly's skin. Unicharm President Director, Yasutaka Nishioka said, through the innovation of high-quality adult diaper products as well as education and disseminating the right way to handle the elderly in a sustainable manner by involving experts, we want to make a real contribution to realizing zero decubitus wounds in Indonesia to maintain the healthy and dignified life of the elderly.