Quandary of the Elderly in the Philippines

By conundrum on March 21st, 2012

There is no better odyssey in this journey called life but to get old. Growing old has a remarkable impact to an individual particularly when it comes to welfare and security. They could have reached a certain echelon of acumen we could not grasp. They may have attained juncture of maturity we are longing for. Elderly surpasses to a degree of being sharp or being oblivious. And they have acquired magnitude of profundities young generation could not discern. Growing old is just a threshold people would have to be anxious about. During pre and post Hispanic era, History witnessed how Filipinos gave importance to their elderly. Ancient Filipinos showed their respect by just a mere address to a people even the simple term like Don and Doa though it connotes social stature, is one way of displaying respect, not to mention Mangor Aling. The Pagmamano or hand blessing in which young people put their hand to the forehead of the elderly is another form of exhibiting it. But one of the most affirmative sign of reverence is the use of PO and Opo when answering to the elderly. Elderly are the source of wisdom thus, custom and traditions were kept and passed by them to the next generation. When it comes to elderly respect, Asians are known for it because this has been the mark of our societies ever since, having a strong bond especially with our Grandparents. Asians are taught and trained to take care of their elderly knowing they are the ones who nurtured and cared for them first. Most of us learned our first value from our Grandparents and as such returning the values they bestowed on us. We embed an extreme appreciation on preserving the dignity of the elderly and put them in an extolled place in our society. The elderly population in the Philippines are considered to be totaling five million senior citizens, defined as resident citizens of the Philippines aged 60 and above and their contributions in the enhancement of the different areas of institutions cannot be ignored. Elderly in Asia and in other part of the world have a good and acceptable benefits compared to the Philippines. Though we strongly shown our highest esteem to old people, our Government is doing otherwise to the plight of the Filipino elderly. Problems of Elderly in the Philippines: Elderly in the Philippines are facing manifold conundrums. They are no longer viable when they reach the age of 60 and above. They would face painstaking scrutiny if they want to work again. Filipinos are discriminating to the elderly even if you have the most impressive credentials thinking that old people are no longer prolific. A work security must be enforced. Health Benefits and Insurance: As individual grows old, myriad types of sickness emanate. Dementia, Heart Disease, Stroke, Cancer, Alzheimers are among the risk factor old people needs to eradicate. They are susceptible to any airborne disease and prone to season change. Health benefits and Insurance must be given to them.