Caring for the Community-Based Filipino Elderly

Abstract

As the trend of modernization implies negative implications on the status of the elderly, aging is an issue to deal with. Researches noted that the elderly continues to bear low life quality. And seemingly the projections on their increase in population has called for the shift to formal care. It is in this line that this study was undertaken. Primarily, this aimed to investigate the nature of the existing elderly care system in the country or how the elderly are being taken care of. Using the descriptive method of research, data were gathered through survey of literature, state policies and laws on the elderly, state departments and offices and public hospitals---aimed to address the various needs of the older people. Essentially, a review of the benefits and privileges offered to senior citizens was performed. With the passing of RA 7432 or the Senior Citizens' Act of 1992, these provisions were made available to the Filipino elderly. And it only proved that the State has been responding to the needs of the older Filipino, positively. However, the results of the interviewer-assisted survey conducted with the military elderly, and their dependents---wives, have established that these arc short of actualizing themselves. Still, with unfulfilled needs of health, economic and psychosocial concerns, the elderly demanded for their privileges. Their suggestions for the provision of free medicine and other health benefits, increase in pension and transportation services were found to be keeping the senior members of the society in a less-privileged status. It is proposed from here that there should be updated comprehensive studies on the status of the older Filipinos, with emphasis on the gender differences, urban-rural area concerns and on a much larger sample. Further, allocation of funds is also deemed necessary to realize a comprehensive and continuous health service as well as economic security for the said population. Lastly, empowering the elderly would mean their actual participation as the principal benefactor of these programs.