October 1 is International Day of Older Persons

Today, October 1, the Demographic Research and Development Foundation, Inc. and the University of the Philippines Population Institute join the whole world in celebrating the International Day of Older Persons. Through our research, we contribute to the promotion of healthy and active aging among Filipino older people and to ensure a society for all ages.

To know more about the aging and health in the Philippines, please visit bit.ly/drdf-aginghealthph.

One important issue of aging that is often overlooked is oral health. LSAHP findings show that older Filipinos have poor oral health.

PhilHealth is the primary health insurance of older Filipinos. Despite the high level of PhilHealth enrollment, a significant level of unmet need for health care services persists.

Many older Filipinos do not avail of the free pneumonia and flu immunization services of the Department of Health.

Hypertension and diabetes are two highly prevalent chronic conditions in the older population. DOH provides free maintenance medicines for these diseases at local health centers. But not many older Filipinos have accessed this free service.

The generally low economic status of older Filipinos should challenge policymakers and program managers to provide more responsive laws and program interventions to alleviate the plight of older people, particularly the most economically vulnerable.

The COVID-19 pandemic has opened a window of opportunity for all stakeholders to tackle older Filipinos’ various vulnerabilities and ways to ensure that they are heard and their rights protected.

8 Ways to protect older Filipinos’ well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic