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.
