IMPLEMENTASI PENDEKATAN ANDRAGOGI BERBASIS EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING DALAM PELATIHAN TEH BUNGA TELANG BAGI LANSIA DI UPTD BINJAI

Abstract

Elderly learners at the UPTD Pelayanan Sosial Lanjut Usia Binjai under the Dinas Sosial Provinsi Sumatera Utara face challenges related to low daily productivity. Most elderly residents spend their time passively in their respective dormitories due to the limited variety of functional activity programs. This community service activity aimed to enhance the productivity, knowledge, and practical skills of 30 elderly learners through training in processing and cultivating herbal plants. The Adult Education (Andragogy) approach was implemented using the experiential learning method. The activity began with a preparatory phase involving an interview with the Head of the UPTD to map the issues. The execution phase included ice-breaking activities, elderly gymnastics, educational material presentations, sensory simulation through drinking butterfly pea flower tea together, and hands-on practice in planting butterfly pea flower seeds within the institution's area. The results of the activity showed an increase in psychological happiness and high enthusiasm among the learners, evidenced by a 100% attendance rate (30 elderly) until the end of the session and an average reflective satisfaction score reaching 90% in the highly pleased category. An effective and inclusive knowledge transfer process occurred; elderly learners who were previously unaware of the benefits of the butterfly pea flower gained new insights, while experienced ones actively exchanged perspectives. The distribution and direct planting of seeds successfully created a productive alternative daily activity while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the program within the nursing home environment.