PHILIPPINES: Growing old, and loving it

MANILA (Manila Bulletin), May 28, 2008: Ma. Glaiza Lee Some people reaching the sunset of their youth can’t believe that they are actually getting old, especially if they are the type of persons who are full of vigor and always on the go. They have a hard time accepting their diminishing physical strength, loss of balance, and other physical changes that characterize growing old. Most old people experience immobility, instability, intellectual impairment, malnutrition, impotence, and immunodeficiency, among others. "Some people go through unremarkable physical changes. They resist aging, [determined] not to succumb to these changes, especially illnesses, because they think that being sick means being old," says Victoria N. Apuan, Ph.D., chairperson of the Department of Social Sciences, Miriam College. Based on the 2000 Census of Population and Housing by the National Statistics Office, the total number of senior citizens (60 years old and above) was 4.6 million or 5.97 percent of the total Philippine population. The elderly population grew at 4.39 percent during the 1995 to 2000 period. If this population’s growth continues at this rate, the number of senior citizens is expected to reach 7 million in 2010 and to double in approximately 16 years. The older population is, in fact, the fastest growing sector of society. Anxiety over facing reality Some people are actually afraid to grow old because they think that they will suffer from isolation and lack of respect from the society where they belong. They often experience anxiety over money (no more monthly credit to their accounts), health (age-related ailments, health care), life’s meaning (maintaining one’s lifestyle or going back to simple things), and relationships. They perceive old age as a problem, and some of their solutions involve spending money to conceal the signs of aging, exhausting time on research to retain youth, or isolating themselves in nursing homes when they can no longer deny aging. Coping with old age "Wholly unprepared, we embark upon the second half of life with the false assumption that our truths and ideals will serve us as before. But we cannot live the afternoons of...life according to the program of life’s morning…for what was great in the morning will be little in the evening, and what in the morning was true will in the evening become a lie," said Carl Jung. Although growing old is inevitable, it doesn’t mean we just have to go through with it without a good plan on how to manage this life process. The key to aging is preparation. According to holistic physician Stephan Rechtschaffen, M.D., one has to look at and experience aging beyond the cultural obsession with youth toward a respect and need for the wisdom of age. He suggests that people should recognize and accept aging not as something to be feared, but as a natural life process. He advised people to improve the quality of life among the elderly rather than crying over getting old. Money matters To deal with growing old means to make realistic financial and psycho-social preparations. • Start by preparing financial plans as early as possible. There are different retirement packages that you can choose from. It is important to understand how these plans work and what benefits you will receive. It is best to seek information from your company’s human resources personnel. • In the Philippines, people who reach their senior years have fewer employment opportunities. To augment your financial situation, enroll in livelihood programs. Try to find out what business opportunities best suit senior citizens, but be sure to invest your hard-earned savings wisely. • Years before your retirement, make sure that you have paid off your debts. Start reducing expenses, and begin saving for the future. • If one can’t stay away from the world of employment, lay the ground for sustained service. Older people can still write or do research and translations. They may opt to establish or join a consultancy group, work part-time, or volunteer to teach in a university with less-privileged students. Realistic preparations In the Philippines, studies show that a considerable proportion of an older person’s life is actually lived in an inactive state (with significant gender disparity). Being old doesn’t mean limiting oneself when it comes to activities. • Have a seamless transition from your working years to the retirement period. Plan activities even before the retirement period. Organize a support group (e.g., an exercise group among retirees). Do volunteer work or community service. Find a new hobby. • Attend discussions on health and wellness. When one reaches the age of 50, he/she must also undergo an annual physical exam. • Engage your family in your retirement plan. Have an open discussion with your family members. After all, as Dr. Victoria Apuan said, the family is seen as the most important institution that can provide community-based programs and care for older persons. Copyright © 2008, Manila Bulletin.