Elderlies in the Philippines
LOOKING IN ON WHAT’S TO COME:
The elderlies in the Philippines
When people grow old, they either have the option of being cared for by family or being cared for by the homes. In making that choice, there seems to be a cultural pattern or tradition that is prevalent. In most Western countries, where the values of youth, self-reliance and individualism are held in high regard, the latter is chosen most of the time. In Asian countries however, like that of China where the concept of ‘filial piety’ means showing obedience, deference and respect to your elders are honoured, taking in the elderly is a common practice.
The significant number of the elderly in the Philippines population is not ignorable. In the Philippines, 6.8% of the 92.1 million household in 2010, make up the senior citizen sector. Among these, females (55.8%) outnumber the males (44.2%). The ageing index of the country was computed to be at 20.3% in 2010. This means, that for every five children under 15 years old, there is one person aged 60 years and over.
But to add to add to this, these elderlies once contributed to the government’s institutions and their contributions should not be overlooked even though they seem to be well past their primes.
They say, wisdom comes with age. Perhaps then, this paper, that serves to analyse the perceptions and receptions of the elderly, will contribute, not only to what today’s youth and the next generation could give back to the elderly but how the community and the country, could age with the elderly, both in years and in wisdom.
The discussants and interviewees have varied backgrounds from Quezon City, to San Juan City and Makati City – almost all have children, most are still married and some of them still live with their children and grandchildren.
LIVING ARRANGEMENTS:
The Female Prowess
Most of the respondents preferred to live with their daughters who are not married. If the latter is not fulfilled, they still prefer to live with their
The elderlies in the Philippines
When people grow old, they either have the option of being cared for by family or being cared for by the homes. In making that choice, there seems to be a cultural pattern or tradition that is prevalent. In most Western countries, where the values of youth, self-reliance and individualism are held in high regard, the latter is chosen most of the time. In Asian countries however, like that of China where the concept of ‘filial piety’ means showing obedience, deference and respect to your elders are honoured, taking in the elderly is a common practice.
The significant number of the elderly in the Philippines population is not ignorable. In the Philippines, 6.8% of the 92.1 million household in 2010, make up the senior citizen sector. Among these, females (55.8%) outnumber the males (44.2%). The ageing index of the country was computed to be at 20.3% in 2010. This means, that for every five children under 15 years old, there is one person aged 60 years and over.
But to add to add to this, these elderlies once contributed to the government’s institutions and their contributions should not be overlooked even though they seem to be well past their primes.
They say, wisdom comes with age. Perhaps then, this paper, that serves to analyse the perceptions and receptions of the elderly, will contribute, not only to what today’s youth and the next generation could give back to the elderly but how the community and the country, could age with the elderly, both in years and in wisdom.
The discussants and interviewees have varied backgrounds from Quezon City, to San Juan City and Makati City – almost all have children, most are still married and some of them still live with their children and grandchildren.
LIVING ARRANGEMENTS:
The Female Prowess
Most of the respondents preferred to live with their daughters who are not married. If the latter is not fulfilled, they still prefer to live with their
References: Lacson, Jose, 2001. Mindsets of the Filipino: a Research Agenda for Filipino Communicative Behavior. http://www.census.gov.ph/content/age-and-sex-structure-philippine-population-facts-2010-census http://journals.upd.edu.ph/index.php/pssr/article/viewFile/1279/1616 http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jan/22/elderly-hurry-up-die-japanese http://web.archive.org/web/20070928212730/http://www.ozamiz.com/earthcalls/women.html