Gray happiness: contextualizing the condition of the elderly Filipino and developing an alternative happiness survey questionnaire based on the gross national happiness paradigm

Abstract

The world is aging as health care and technology develop and life expectancy increases. The Philippines is slowly inching to a graying population and studies about our elderly population are important to address the needs of the Filipino elderly of today and of the future. It is society's moral obligation to take care of its elderly and to ensure their happiness. This study aims to know and analyze the socio-economic, socio-cultural, and socio-political situation of the Filipino elderly and to define their concept of happiness. It also aims to explore the process of survey questionnaire development that could embody the Filipino elderly's concept of happiness. The researcher was able to interview seven experts on the Filipino elderly population, happiness, and survey questionnaire development. The study found that the Filipino elderly are discriminated, misrepresented, and neglected economically, culturally, and politically. Their concept of happiness centers on their health, spirituality, financial security, family and community relationships, and their legacy. These concepts can be seen in Bhutan's Gross National Happiness. The researcher was able to develop survey questions based on the GNH paradigm and the results of the study. The academe, the government, NGOs/POs/MOs, and the Filipino people must work hand in hand in order to elevate the Filipino elderly's situation and to make them valued and active members of society. The Filipino elderly must be given the resources and assistance it needs to be empowered in order for them to realize their full potential and for them to live the life they wanted. Developing agerelated institutions and policies would not only take care of the elderly of today but also the elderly of tomorrow.