Dr. Conchita L. Manabat l September 18, 2024 l Business Mirror
“The love, care and attention we give to the elderly is a measure of our humanity.”—Unknown
OFTENTIMES referred to as those in the pre-departure area, the elderly is confronted with a lot of challenges ranging from health to financial concerns and more. They are retired and probably “tired,” not as productive as they were in their best years.
A publication by the Economic Research Institute for Asean and East Asia reported that 48 percent of Filipino elderly or old population are in rural areas. Women represent 60 percent of the age group. The gender gap in life expectancy between old women and old men is four years.
Unique in the Philippine culture is the strong family bond. Most of the elderly think that it is the children’s responsibility to take care of aging parents in exchange for their sacrifices for them. Co-residence with their children is the most common arrangement but the elderly are open to the idea of institutional living (eight out of ten said so).
Inevitably, the elderly may be likened to machinery and equipment that have been fully depreciated and may be written off. However, they have had their share in nation building worthy of recognition. Instead of being “scrapped,” they should be cared for and honored for their lasting and invaluable contribution. Like unsung heroes, a number of them continue to be relevant with their advocacies to help others on their own or by linking with non-government organizations (NGOs) and local government units. They share their knowledge, experience and at times, resources to improve the lot of their fellowmen.
Several organizations and government agencies in the country focus on aging and longevity issues. Here are some of the key leaders and organizations in this field:
1. Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The DSWD is a government agency responsible for implementing social welfare programs and services for vulnerable groups, including older adults.
2. National Center for Geriatric Health ( NCGH). The NCGH is a specialized hospital that provides medical and rehabilitation services to older adults under the Department of Health.
3. Philippine Medical Association (PMA). The PMA is a professional organization of physicians in the Philippines. They have a section dedicated to geriatric medicine, which focuses on the health and well-being of older adults.
4. University of the Philippines Manila. The University has a Center for Aging and Geriatric Health, which conducts research and provides education and training on aging and geriatric health issues.
5. Coalition of Services of the Elderly (COSE). The COSE is a non-government organization that provides services and support to older adults in the Philippines. They work on health care, social services and senior citizens’ rights.
The COSE recognizes the significant contributions of older persons in society through its annual “Sampung Ulirang Nakatatanda” (SUN) / Ten Outstanding Older Persons Awards. It started in 1991 and has been part of the annual Elderly Filipino Week celebration. This is to honor the important contributions of older persons from different sectors such as farmers, fisher folks, women, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, human rights advocates, environmental advocates and educators. They are ordinary people who, in their own ways have rendered exemplary and notable services to help others and their communities.
To date, there are already 324 unsung older person heroes nationwide who have been honored in the SUN Awards. Next month, as we celebrate the Filipino Elderly Week, tribute will be accorded to the 2024 SUN.
Kudos to the Elderly!
*** Conchita L. Manabat is the president of the Development Center for Finance, a trustee at the University of San Carlos and San Carlos School of Cebu, Cebu City. She is a member of the Stakeholder Advisory Council of the Public Interest Oversight Board and chairs the Advisory Council of the International Association of Financial Executives Institutes.
The views and opinions expressed above are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines and the BusinessMirror. Photo from Pinterest.