How grassroots movements help create a better future of aging
Life circumstances can sometimes lead you in a direction different from your plan. That’s what happened to DY Suharya, Regional Director of Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) Asia Pacific Region, founder of Alzheimer’s Indonesia and a keynote speaker at our 2024 Future of Aging Summit.
Suharya was studying abroad when she found out about her mom’s dementia diagnosis. She decided to return home and become a caregiver. She then discovered there weren’t supports available in Indonesia for people living with dementia and their caregivers—and she set out to change that.
“At that time, when I had to go through hell, I did not know why we had to experience that. But afterward, I realized sometimes you have to go through the journey and realize that there’s something you have to activate within you.”
DY Suharya, Alzheimer’s Indonesia, speaking at the Future of Aging Summit in May 2024
This post is part of a series resulting from the Future of Aging Summit and shares key insights from Suharya’s presentation. The 2024 Future of Aging Summit, sponsored by Johnsons Inc., brought together experts and practitioners from various sectors.
How to go from grassroots advocacy to systemic change
Community-led initiatives are crucial in raising awareness and driving local actions that can lead to larger policy change.
“It all starts with the community. Grassroots advocacy is the foundation upon which systemic change is built.”
DY Suharya, Alzheimer’s Indonesia, speaking at the Future of Aging Summit in May 2024
Here are some tips from Suharya’s talk that can apply to any issue.
Have a vision
Consider where you are going and articulate a clear vision. Think about the behaviour change you want. It can help to create a visual outlining your goals and who is involved in achieving them.
“People can relate to what we’ve shared. The communication materials have to be short and sweet.”
DY Suharya, Alzheimer’s Indonesia, speaking at the Future of Aging Summit in May 2024
Build strong networks
Forming alliances with various stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profits, and international organizations, is vital for the success of advocacy efforts. These networks help pool resources, share knowledge, and enhance the impact of advocacy campaigns.
“Partnerships and collaborations are the key elements in conducting movement and making things happen.”
DY Suharya, Alzheimer’s Indonesia, speaking at the Future of Aging Summit in May 2024
Make it relatable
Personal stories are compelling and persuasive. They help highlight the real-life impact of what you’re advocating for, making the issues more relatable and urgent.
“I will always forever be an advocate for my mom because I will always speak on her behalf. I had the journey of 10 years of taking care of her, and I know how it is.”
Suharya, Alzheimer’s Indonesia, speaking at the Future of Aging Summit in May 2024
Back up stories with research
While stories help us connect, data-driven strategies can convince policymakers and stakeholders. If the data doesn’t yet exist, point out the gap and push for increased investment in research to better understand the population’s needs and develop targeted interventions. Look to other jurisdictions for secondary data to help make your case.
“They get information every day; you just have to put it in one good infographic. What’s in it for them?”
DY Suharya, Alzheimer’s Indonesia, speaking at the Future of Aging Summit in May 2024
Build capacity and educate
Your influence increases when you train and educate others to take on the cause. Create opportunities to build local capacity and empower individuals to take action.
“Knowledge is power. Without knowing that my mom was showing symptoms of dementia, I behaved ignorantly. My mom was already showing symptoms 20 years before diagnosis.”
DY Suharya, Alzheimer’s Indonesia, speaking at the Future of Aging Summit in May 2024
Commit to the long-term
Systemic change takes time. You don’t want to burn out, so foster your persistence and resilience. Celebrate the small wins because they add up.
“Without commitment from all stakeholders and without commitment within you, things will not happen.”
DY Suharya, Alzheimer’s Indonesia, speaking at the Future of Aging Summit in May 2024
Suharya’s keynote at the Future of Aging Summit 2024 provided a comprehensive roadmap for transforming grassroots advocacy into systemic change. Her insights underscore the significance of community involvement, strong networks, data-driven approaches, and long-term commitment in creating a better future of aging.
