ELDERLY

• Elderly


  People who are quite old, typically past middle age, generally considered to be around 65 or older
• Senior citizens constitute 9.3% of the household population in the Philippines
• According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, people aged 60 years old and over are regarded as senior citizens
• There were more females (54.4%) than males (45.6%) among the senior citizens in the Philippines in 2020
• Social realities faced by the elderly


  • Economic challenges: poverty, inadequate pension, lack of employment opportunities
  • Health issues: prevalence of chronic diseases, accessibility to healthcare services
  • Social isolation and loneliness: impact on mental health and well-being
  • Vulnerability to abuse and neglect: prevalence and forms of elder abuse
• Elder abuse


  Physical, emotional, or sexual harm inflicted upon an older adult, their financial exploitation, or neglect of their welfare by people who are directly responsible for their care
• Types of elder abuse


  • Physical Elder Abuse
  • Emotional Elder Abuse
  • Sexual Elder Abuse
  • Financial Exploitation
  • Healthcare Fraud and Abuse
  • Elder self-neglect
• Psychological problems faced by the elderly


  • Physical Health
  • Dementia and Depression
  • Isolation
  • Loss
  • Dependency
  • Declining Memory
  • Lack of exercise
  • Insomnia
• Gerontological social workers


  Coordinate the care of older patients in a variety of settings, including hospitals, community health clinics, long-term and residential health care facilities, hospice settings, and outpatient/daytime health care centers
• Social workers shall advocate for the needs, decisions, and rights of family caregivers of older adults
• Gerontological social workers conduct psychosocial assessments to determine their clients' mental, emotional and social needs, and to understand how these needs connect with their physical health and medical conditions
• Information gathered in psychosocial assessments


  • Mental and emotional health, including past and present psychological conditions
  • Behavioral health challenges
  • Social, financial, familial, educational, and occupational history and current situation
  • Medical and mental health treatment history
  • Current medications and adherence to treatment plans
• COSE


  A Non-Government Organization (NGO) in the Philippines working with older persons since 1989, focusing on the formation and strengthening of Older Persons' Organizations (OPOs); advocacy; and partnership building
• COSE's focus areas


  • Community-based programs for older persons such as health care, residential care facilities, age-friendly and diversified livelihood, and inclusive disaster risk reduction and management
  • Addressing issues and concerns of older persons in humanitarian crises situations or emergencies
• COSE's vision


  An age-friendly society where all older persons live in dignity; remain healthy, self-reliant, and secure; and free to commit themselves to others and society
• COSE's mission


  To work with older persons, especially the poor and marginalized, in upholding their rights while respecting cultural diversity, promoting gender equality, nurturing their potential, recognizing them as a significant sector, and ensuring their participation in matters affecting their lives
• COSE's goals


  • To strengthen older persons' organizations (OPOs) through capacity development
  • To advance the well-being of older persons through networking and partnership building with various stakeholders at the local, national, regional, and international levels
  • To foster a national movement of older persons that will take the lead in promoting intergenerational solidarity and gender equality
• Victorian Ageing Alliance


  A non-profit organization that connects people with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and other memory disorders, working to reduce the stigma associated with these conditions, support families of those affected, and improve the quality of life for those living with these conditions
• Center for Advocacy for the Rights and Interests of the Elderly (CAERIE)


  An international non-profit organization working to advocate for, inform, and support the elderly population, providing a range of initiatives to improve their quality of life, including practical supports such as home care and financial planning
• Pension Rights Center


  A non-profit organization that advocates for the rights of current and former state and local government employees, past and present, working to increase awareness of pension rights
• Key laws for senior citizens in the Philippines


  • Republic Act No. 7432, or the "Senior Citizens Act of 1991"
  • Republic Act No. 9257, or the "Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2003"
  • Republic Act No. 9994, or the "Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010"
• Key provisions of Republic Act No. 7432, or the "Senior Citizens Act of 1991"


  • Maximizing Senior Citizen Contribution: Encourages the participation of elderly people in society
  • Benefits and Privileges: Provides discounts on transportation, goods, and services for senior citizens (usually 20%)
  • Special Privileges: Grants priority access in lines and reservations in some settings
• Key provisions of Republic Act No. 9257, or the "Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2003"


  • Mandating Discounts: Makes it mandatory for businesses to offer senior citizen discounts
  • Strengthening Organizations: Supports the creation of local organizations for senior citizens (OSCA)
  • Focus on Capacity Building: Aims to improve the well-being and independence of elderly Filipinos
• Key provisions of Republic Act No. 9994, or the "Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010"


  • Indigent Senior Citizen Stipend: Offers a monthly stipend to low-income elderly for basic needs
  • PhilHealth Coverage: Mandates PhilHealth insurance coverage for indigent senior citizens
  • Amendments to the Centenarians Act: Recent legislation (2023) expands financial benefits for Filipinos reaching significant milestones of age (80, 85, 90, 95) and maintains a large cash reward upon reaching 100 years old
• In the Filipino society, respect for elders is deeply ingrained in cultural values and tradition, and their guidance is highly valued
• Filipino families place great importance on maintaining close ties across generations, with activities such as family gatherings, celebrations, and religious observances serving as opportunities for strengthening these bonds