What Elderly Needs to Improve Their Quality of Life? A Qualitative Study

The Special Region of Yogyakarta is a province that has experienced an increase in the number of elderly people or known as the aged population boom. According to the National Economic Survey (SUSENAS) in 2007, it is known that Yogyakarta is the highest population of elderly in Indonesia with the index more than 10% of the national level (14.02%). Sleman regency is the district with the highest life expectancy in Indonesia, which is 75.6 years which exceeds the average age of the elderly in the Yogyakarta province ranging from 74 years and the average age of the elderly at the national level is 70.6 years. Elderly Family Development Community or “Bina Keluarga Lansia” is an effort carried out an elderly family member to increase the elderly quality of life. Method: This study is a qualitative study with a descriptive approach. This research was conducted at an elderly family development community or “Bina Keluarga Lansia” in Sleman regency using in-depth interview to elderly community leader and group members. Results: The elderly family development community has seven dimensions to increase the quality of life among elderly, they are: physical, intellectual, social, emotional, spiritual, vocational professional, and environmental dimensions. The involvement of group members in the elderly family community and it is need high attention of the elderly cadres. Conclusion: The elderly people need the activities to increase their skills which are improving their economic level. Keywords—elderly in yogyakarta, elderly needs, quality of life