MAY 01 2025

FIG Aging Society - Jakarta Kickoff: Gymnastics Campaign for a Healthy Senior Generation

Jakarta, January 23, 2025 – International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), in collaboration with the Indonesia Gymnastics Federation (PB Persani), has launched the FIG Aging Society - Jakarta Kickoff program. The initiative marks a significant step on the Road to the 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships Jakarta 2025, demonstrating FIG’s commitment to promoting gymnastics as a sport for all generations, from youth to the elderly.

Held at the SQuare One Function Hall, this event introduced the FIG Aging Society Program, which aims to inspire an active and health-conscious lifestyle for the senior generation by improving mobility, strength, and balance through gymnastics.

FIG Aging Society was initiated by President Watanabe, who believes that sports must contribute to society, especially as the elderly demographic continues to grow each year, significantly affecting nations' social security costs.

With that concern in mind, FIG Aging Society aims to promote the well-being of seniors through gymnastics (Move Better, Live Healthier).

The FIG Aging Society - Jakarta Kickoff attracted over 120 participants, who also benefited from free medical checkups, including musculoskeletal evaluation and personalized exercise programs to do at home.

FIG President Morinari Watanabe:

Many countries around the world are facing the problem of a sharp rise in social security costs due to the arrival of an ageing society. The FIG has set up the “Aging Society Working Group”. Mrs. Ita Yuliati, President of Indonesia Gymnastics Federation, is one of the major members of the Working Group.

The purpose of the Working Group activities is to prove that the social security cost can be reduced if senior citizens practice gymnastics.

The 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships will be held in Jakarta in October this year. On this occasion, the FIG in collaboration with the Indonesian Government, launched a "model case of how to deal with an ageing society".

Indonesia is still a young country. The population is made up of many young people.

But this was also the case in Japan and China a few decades ago.

But an ageing society is coming soon. The sooner action is taken, the smaller the financial burden on the state. Starting now is a good decision.

We will take on 2 challenges by implementing the measures against aging society.First, we will transform the World Championships from a mere entertainment event to an event that contributes to society.

Second, we will take on the challenge of developing new industries, with our Ageing Society Working Group at the center.

In many countries, 50% of the population will be over 65 years old. Industries that cater to older people are beginning to emerge.

Many new business models will be developed, including IT, finance, healthcare, pharma and food.

With those activities, I hope that Indonesia will become a global center for new industries in the world.

Deputy of Sport Culture, Ministry of youth and sport of the republic of Indonesia, Sri Wahyuni:

The FIG Aging Society - Jakarta Kickoff is the part of the program Road to 53rd FIG Artistics Gymnastics World Championships Jakarta 2025.

During this event, the Indonesian government, especially the Ministry of Youth and Sport consistently supports initiatives that encourage the public to lead healthier lives through sports, such as the FIG Aging Society program.

The FIG Aging Society-Jakarta Kickoff program also provides free health check-ups and offers tips and suitable exercise options for seniors. Promoting an active lifestyle into old age is a key focus of this initiative, and we hopes that this program can be continued and expanded to cities across Indonesia.

Indonesia Gymnastics Federation President, Ita Yuliati:

Today marks a special milestone for us as we officially launch the FIG Aging Society - Jakarta Kickoff.

The Aging Society Working Group was established two years ago, and I was honored to be appointed by President Morinari Watanabe as one of its members. Since then, we have worked collaboratively to develop this program. Last year, we successfully introduced the pilot project here in Jakarta, and today, we are proud to launch this initiative as part of the Road to the 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships Jakarta 2025.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Morinari Watanabe and FIG, the Indonesian Government, and all participants for their incredible support and enthusiasm toward this program.

Local Organizing Committee | Brigitha Sesilya

FIG Aging Society - Jakarta Kickoff: Gymnastics Campaign for a Healthy Senior Generation