When talking about elderly individuals, we often hear the terms “lansia” and “manula.” But do they mean the same thing? I used to think so too—until I learned that there are some important distinctions between them.
Etymologically, “lansia” is an abbreviation of “lanjut usia” (advanced age), while “manula” stands for “manusia usia lanjut” (elderly person). Although they sound similar, the usage of these two terms differs. Lansia is more commonly used in health and social contexts, whereas manula is more general and often appears in administrative or formal settings.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a person is categorized as elderly (lansia) when they reach the age of 60 and above. Meanwhile, in many Indonesian government documents, the term manula is more frequently used in policies related to social welfare.
Physical and Mental Characteristics
When someone enters the stage of being elderly—whether you call them lansia or manula—physical and mental changes become inevitable. I’ve witnessed this in my own parents. Their hair begins to turn gray, their skin becomes more wrinkled, and they no longer have the same strength as before. But beyond these visible signs, there are deeper changes happening.
Physically, elderly individuals often experience:
- Decreased muscle mass and strength
- Balance issues that increase the risk of falls
- Decline in vision and hearing function
- Thinner skin that is more prone to injury
From a mental perspective, some elderly people experience memory decline and even an increased risk of dementia or Alzheimer’s. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, around 10% of people aged 65 and older develop Alzheimer’s, and the numbers continue to rise with age.
However, not all elderly individuals experience significant cognitive decline. Many remain active and productive, especially when supported by a healthy lifestyle.
Health and Quality of Life
Maintaining quality of life in old age isn’t just about avoiding illness. I often hear stories from friends with elderly parents who say that caring for their mental well-being is just as important as their physical health.
Some ways to improve the health and quality of life of older adults include:
- Balanced Nutrition: A diet rich in fiber, vitamins, and protein is essential.
- Physical Activity: Light exercises such as morning walks or yoga can help maintain fitness.
- Social Interaction: Engaging with family and friends can reduce the risk of depression.
- Supportive Products: Using products that cater to the needs of seniors—such as Parenty adult pants diapers—helps them stay comfortable and confident in daily activities.
I remember when my grandfather began experiencing incontinence. He felt embarrassed and reluctant to leave the house. After using comfortable adult pants diapers, he regained the confidence to resume his activities without worry.
Interventions and Support
As children or grandchildren, we play an important role in supporting the elderly around us. There are many things we can do—from offering emotional support and meeting their daily needs to ensuring they have access to proper healthcare.
The Indonesian government has implemented several policies to support the well-being of the elderly, such as free medical services through BPJS and various social assistance programs.
Many non-governmental organizations also provide important support, such as Alzheimer Indonesia, which helps families care for seniors with dementia.
For those of us who have elderly parents or relatives, we can start with simple steps:
- Talking and listening to their stories
- Accompanying them in light physical activities
- Ensuring their basic needs are met, including comfort during daily activities with supportive products like Parenty to enhance their quality of life
In the end, both “lansia” and “manula” refer to individuals in their advanced years. The difference lies mainly in how the terms are used, not in their essential meaning. What truly matters is how we provide the care and support they need.
I believe every elderly person deserves to live comfortably, healthily, and happily. And that begins with the small acts of attention we give them every day. So let’s continue to care for the seniors around us!
