‘Lansia Awareness’ and the Challenges Faced by Community Volunteers (kader) Servicing Indonesian Elders during the First Year of the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Indonesia had a strong focus on supporting older adults through community involvement and health initiatives. The development of this support, which occurred over a period of 25 years, we call ‘ lansia awareness’. During this period, older adults were encouraged to exercise and actively participate in their communities. Community health volunteers and non-governmental organizations ( NGO s) proliferated throughout the country to assist the senior population. However, in April 2020, the introduction of pandemic restrictions halted these efforts, significantly reducing access to healthcare and social services for older adults. Interviews with healthcare volunteers revealed that the suspension of community services adversely affected the quality of care for seniors. Although some volunteers continued to assist informally, better training and resources could have enhanced their support during this challenging time.