Malang, en.SERU.co.id – Commemorating its 64th Dies Natalis, Universitas Brawijaya (UB) invited hundreds of elderly (lansia) participants to remain active, healthy, and happy. Through the UB Healing Walk at UB Forest Resort Buntoro, Karangploso, Malang Regency, on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
Coordinator of the activity implementation team, Cak Kandar, said 168 participants from various regions followed the Healing Walk as part of UB’s 64th Dies Natalis. Carrying the theme “Uniting with Nature Toward Psychological Happiness,” this activity was not merely a walking sports event.
“UB Healing Walk is designed as a space for gathering, recreation, as well as an effort to maintain physical and psychological health, especially for groups of retirees and the elderly. Participants come from various regions, among them Greater Malang, Surabaya, up to Jakarta,” said Cak Kandar.
Cak Kandar explained that this activity involved the Universitas Brawijaya Retirees Association (IKATAJ), the Indonesian Nordic Walking Community (KJNI). As well as community representatives from a number of regions in East Java.
“The activity was open to participants aged a minimum of 55 years. Even, the oldest participant who joined this activity was recorded as 83 years old,” said the 67-year-old man.
According to him, UB Healing Walk prioritizes health benefits and togetherness more than competition. Participants were given a choice of routes with distances of 1 kilometer, 2.5 kilometers, up to 5 kilometers according to their respective abilities.
He said, from a total of 168 participants, the majority chose the 2.5-kilometer route. Meanwhile seven people followed the 1-kilometer route and 15 people chose the farthest route, namely 5 kilometers. Although the committee provided awards for participants who reached the finish line earlier, this activity was not oriented toward a race.
“Our main goal is seeking health. We want to introduce the activity of walking in the forest, enjoying oxygen and the natural atmosphere. There are participants who have long not walked in the forest,” he added.
He explained that the activity also became attention for circles of retirees who need space to remain active and socialize. Because, entering advanced age, a person not only needs physical health, but also psychological support through social interaction.
Through the activity of walking together, participants can get to know each other, chat, and build new friendships. Thus, the retirement period is not identical with a lonely life and lack of activity.
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In agreement, Chair of the Universitas Brawijaya Retirees Association (IPUB), Prof. Dr. Ir. Bambang Guritno MBA, appreciated that UB continues to maintain harmonious relations. With the retirees through various positive activities.
“UB still continues harmonious relations with the retirees. This brings spirit for us, even though age has entered the elderly period,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chair of UB Dies Natalis, Mangku Purnomo, hoped that the university continues to provide facilities and space. With various beneficial activities for the academic community as well as the retirees. He hoped that activities like this can be developed as part of the university’s attention to the health and welfare of its community.
UB Rector, Prof. Widodo SSi MSi PhD MedSc, stated that UB Healing Walk is one of the series of activities of the 64th Dies Natalis. Through that activity, it is hoped that pride toward the university emerges, while strengthening the togetherness of the entire large UB family.
“This activity simultaneously becomes a message that maintaining health and happiness knows no age limits. By continuing to move, interact, and unite with nature, the retirees as well as the elderly are expected to remain productive. As well as enjoy old age more healthily and happily,” he stressed. (ws16/rhd)
