Social Deconstruction: Self-integrity of the Filipino Elderly

Abstract

This study aims to determine the present condition of the self-integrity of the Filipino elderly. According to Erik Erikson, “self-integrity vs. despair” is the psychosocial challenge of life during old age. The elderly during this last stage of life looks back on what his/her life has been -“life review”. Self-integrity is the favorable outcome when the elderly feels a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction with one’s life (Zimbardo and Ruch, 1993). A survey questionnaire with closed and opened questions, Likert and Verbal Frequency Scales was utilized for data gathering. Purposively chosen, the 93 elderly respondents participated in this study; with ages 65 and above, and who reside in the city of Calapan, Oriental Mindoro. The results of the study indicate that elderly Filipinos have a satisfactory level of self-integrity. Among the four major factors which affect self-integrity of the elderly, the results reveal that the social and practical support received by the elderly respondents from their families and other people is the most significant factor. Next is the life review of the elderly, followed by their social meaningfulness, and lastly, their views and feelings of acceptance and readiness regarding death. The research outcome also shows that marital status of the elderly affects their level of self-integrity. The elderly who have partners in life have higher self-integrity compared to those who remain single. On the other hand, results indicate that other factors namely: educational attainment, socio-economic status and gender of the elderly are unnecessary determinants of self-integrity. The elderly in the past and those at present have also been compared. Both have almost the same sources of happiness such as the assurance of having a happy family and good health. On the other hand, the elderly at the present is less problematic about their financial capacity although they do claim themselves as insufficient. Instead, poor health and thoughts of deceased loved ones are the main reasons of their sadness.