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In the Philippines, the Elderly group is one of the most vulnerable sectors of the society. The phenomenon of aging has grown bigger and bigger each year. In fact, approximately millions of population is continuously added in every country all over the world. The Philippines has been one of the ASEAN countries that shares the same situation. The government and non-government agencies must inexorably exert efforts in dealing with this situation especially when it comes to the demands of healthcare, housing, and social security. In addition, Elderly have various needs and requirements from society and government, and frequently have differing values as well, such as for property and pension rights. Likewise, sustaining and developing their cognitive, pscyhomotor, communication, and interpersonal aspects to attain their sustainable self.
“In humans, ageing represents the accumulation of changes in a human being over time, encompassing physical, psychological, and social change”.This statement denotes that aging is a normal phenomenon among human beings that should be treated as normal as possible. However, reality doesn’t position this into actions. Majority of the elderly when they reached 65 years of age were directed into elderly institutions because no one would like to take care of them. Some were abused and some were living in the streets. Most of the elderly believed that they have no space in the society due to lack of care, respect, and love. The big questions are, what would be their future in this world full of uncertainties? As a nurse and as a citizen of the country, what can we do for them to achieve a dignified life? What project and activities can we initiate to walk all the talks we plan for the elderly sector? These are few of the questions we have in mind that we need to actualize to eradicate the problems of the elderly around the world is facing.
Methods:
The study used a descriptive phenomenological design in gathering the narratives of the lived experiences of the Filipino Elderly. Six (6) elderly was chosen based from the criteria set by the researcher. Informed consent was obtained and utilized as well as maintaining the anonymity of the co-researchers for ethical considerations. Observation, semi-structured interviews, field notes, use of qualitative documents, and audio-visual recordings were used in data gathering procedure. Furthermore, Qualitative Content Data Analysis of Collaizi was used to interpret and analyze the rich contextual descriptions of the co-researchers to arrive with the emergent themes. Validation of the results were communicated with the co-researchers.
Results:
The themes emerged from the narrative data depicted the lived experiences of the elderly in the Philippine representing the various sectors of the group population. Four (4) emergent themes were drawn from the qualitatitve content data analysis. The emergent themes characterized the issues and underlying events the elderly sector is facing through up to present time. The first theme “The World of Ageism” pertains to the immense discriminations of people. Second theme “The Trauma of Abuse” tells the burden and misery of the elderly due to any kind of violence, cruelty, and maltreatment. The third emergent theme “The Rise Above Challenges” depicts the perseverance and dedication of the elderly people to move on with their lives despite of the major struggles they were experiencing. Lastly, the fourth and last theme “The Future of Elderly” entails the active participation and involvement of people in building what can be done for the old age generation - to maximize their potentials as a person despite of the minimal time they have to live.
Conclusion:
The generated emergent themes, which reflected the lived experiences of the Filipino elderly, implicate the importance of Social Responsibility (educate, act, and advocate) and active volunteerism in providing better life in lieu of the differnent views og aging pertaining to sociology and mental health: aging as maturity, aging as decline, aging as a life-cycle event, aging as generation, and aging as survival. The researcher believed that caring for this vulnerable sector should be a commitment. Assessing and evaluating all their needs has given birth to an advocacy for elderly. HOPE (Holistic Outlook for Pinoy Elderly) is a holistic intercession that focuses on the capacity of the Filipino elderly to have sustainable and dignified life they deserve in response to their socio-economic, cultural, physical, spiritual, and health needs. United Nations Fund for Population Activities highlighted in their summative report that every country all over the world should "Develop a new rights-based culture of aging and a change of mindset and societal attitudes towards ageing and older persons, from welfare recipients to active, contributing members of society." This advocacy for elderly aims to achieve the traditional meanings of successful aging which are free from physical and cognitive disablities and high social and productive engagement. The researcher incorporated the context of nursing in the social development as nurses have the heart, mind, and skills to be the “change agents” for a better and healthier world. Thus, proving the true essence of elderly care nursing and it is all about “human caring”.