Older Person Activity Student PDF

Health Care for the Elderly Physical Change & Aging Physical condition seems to be driven by: The achievement of excellent health among the people o...

Health Care for the Elderly Physical Change & Aging Physical condition seems to be driven by: The achievement of excellent health among the people of the third age Lifestyle choices is one of the great challenges to many health practitioners. Exercise As the so-called elderly also known as the “third age” progress further Nutrition to retirement, they will have to face the realization of what lies ahead making it Stress management. an age imposed emotional strain which leads to the failure to achieve the best of Genetics health in the sunset years of their life. Environment Globally Cells Statistics say that the aging population around the globe is rapidly The cells of the elderly (regardless of when they last underwent mitosis) look aging. It is envisioned that by the year 2000 – 2050 a magnitude of the elderly the same as young cells. However, old cells do not withstand a variety of population will double for about 11% - 22% (WHO:2013) Today 8.5 % of challenges quite so well as younger cells. people worldwide are aged 65 and over (Cire:2016) Asia-Pacific region is Older Adulthood and Population Aging currently home to about 60% of the world’s population of the so called “third Facts and Challenges age” (Cire:2016) According to the Global Health and Aging report presented by the Locally World Health Organization (WHO), “The number of people aged 65 or In the Philippine demographic profile, approximately 8.6% of 102, older is projected to grow from an estimated 524 million in 2010 to 624,209 Philippine population are 65 years and over (Cire:2016) Currently, the nearly 1.5 billion in 2050, with most of the increase in developing growth rate of the older population (1.9 per cent) is significantly higher than countries.” that of the total population (1.2 per cent). Soon, the difference between the two Definition of Older Adulthood rates is expected to become even larger as the baby boom generation starts Chronological age. Measured in terms of units of time (months or reaching older ages in several parts of the world. years) that have elapsed since birth. Facts: Biological age. Longevity. Where people stand relative to the number The proportion of older people is projected to more than double of years that they will live. worldwide over the next half century. More developed regions have relatively Functional age. Has to do with a person’s competence in carrying out high proportions of older persons. specific task. High proportions of older people in Europe; low proportions in Africa. The Psychological age. Refers to how well a person adapts to changing older population is growing at a faster rate in the less developed regions. conditions (cognitive, personal or social skills in adjusting g to new circumstances) Reasons of population Aging Social age. Views held by most members of a society about what Decline in fertility- fertility rates declined in developing countries individuals in a particular chronological age group should do during the last 30 years and in developed countries throughout the 20 th century. and how they should behave. Increases in life expectancy- life expectancy at birth in developed countries How old is old? now ranges from 76 to 80 years. Life expectancy also has increased in There is no set rule about when an individual is an older adult. developing countries since 1950, although the amount of increase varied. However, age 65 has come to signify the official age of entry into older adulthood. “Chronologic age is not an accurate predictor of physical condition or Categories of older adulthood behavior.” Young old - 65 to 74 years old Sue Saxon & Mary Jean Etten, Old-old - 75 to 84 years old Oldest-old. 85 years old and above 2 3 Population aging can be seen as a triumph for public health policies “Compression Morbidity” and for socio-economic development, Anti-aging technologies and healthier lifestyles have not However, it also challenges health care professionals to adapt, to merely increased longevity but have also made old-age maximize the health and functional capacity of older people as well as healthier. As a result, the morbid years -- when people lose their social participation and security. their functional independence, and their minds and bodies For example: break down – are compressed into a smaller part of the life  Care of older adults poses special challenges because of great cycle… variation in their physiological, cognitive, and psychosocial health Thus, in addition to lifespans growing longer, potential working status. lifespans are longer still.  Older adults vary widely in their levels of functional ability. Although the majority are active, involved, productive members Facts about population aging: of their communities. Although population aging is occurring in both developed and  However, a smaller number have lost the ability to care for developing countries, the 10 countries with the highest shares themselves, are confused or withdrawn, and are unable to make of 60+ population in 2011 are all in the developed world. decisions concerning their needs. The most rapid aging is taking place primarily in relatively  Most of the older adults live in family settings with their spouse, newly industrialized or developing countries. children, relatives, or non-relatives and others are living alone. While aging is taking place in almost all countries of the world, rich or poor, very high longevity is still a matter of Factors underlying the increasing trend of population aging: very high-income levels. Increased longevity Challenges of Aging Population Declining fertility The size and quality of the workforce The aging of “baby boom” generations: As people pass through their 50s and beyond, their likelihood Increased longevity of participating in the labor force tends to decrease. In most parts of the world, people are living significantly The stock of assets could also decrease as the elderly longer lives than in previous decades. For the world, life increasingly rely on their savings to finance their spending. expectancy increased by two decades since 1950 (from 48 Slower economic growth??? years in 1950–55 to 68 years in 2005-10). During the current half century, the UN Population Division projects global life Data shows that the increase in elderly dependents will be expectancy to rise further to 76 years. more than offset by a decline in youth dependents. And this Declining fertility offset suggests that population aging does not pose an The world’s total fertility rate fell from 5 children per women imminent economic crisis for the world. in 1950 to roughly 2.5 today and is projected to drop further Financial Issues to about 2.2 by 2050. As families have fewer children, the Pension system elderly share of the population naturally increases. The number of beneficiaries will increase while the The aging of “baby boom” generation number of contributors will decline. the aging of large cohorts of children born after World War II Increase use of government resources (e.g. hospitalizations) in the United States – paralleled by similar booms elsewhere at various times – are leading to high shares of elderly people. 4 5  Challenges of Aging Population Psychological distress among caregivers compared with non- Public policy caregiver comparison groups (Capistrant, 2016; Wolff et al., 2016). Allowing people more freedom of choice regarding the The prevalence of negative psychological effects among caregivers timing of retirement is a good starting point for public policy indicates that large segments of the caregiving population experience reform. adverse effects. For example, 26 percent of all caregivers and 29 Business practices percent of those caring for the most disabled older adults reported Change of attitude. Older workers are sometimes seen as a substantial emotional difficulties in NSOC (Spillman et al., 2014). burden, with younger candidates preferred in recruitment Depression – Family caregiver depressive symptoms and anxiety decisions. But in an economy where knowledge rules, the persist when the care recipient moves to a long-term care facility with experience of older workers grows in value, and they can similar severity as when they were providing in-home care, and serve as role models for younger workers.. antianxiety medication use has been found to increase before and after Business practices placement (Schulz et al., 2004). Flexible roles and schedules for older employees.  Among cancer caregivers, 25 percent reported clinically meaningful Allow more part-time work and telecommuting. levels of depressive symptoms 2 years after the care recipient’s Allocate demanding physical tasks to younger. diagnosis (Girgis et al., 2013; Kim et al., 2014). employees Two studies highlight how person, family, and context-level Ongoing training will help older workers master. characteristics matter in the experience of caregivers who care for new skills as the economy changes. elderly family members. Invest in the worker wellness programs which aim. Study main findings. to produce healthier employees at all ages. Family members attending to the person experienced higher levels On-site clinics save workers time and focus care. of depressive symptoms (e.g., lacked enthusiasm, cried easily, or felt on prevention and early disease detection, further like crying) feelings of burden (e.g., lack of time for self, guilt over not lowering costs. doing more for care recipient) physical health symptoms (e.g., headache, dizziness, and tightness in chest) What is the impact of an aging population?  Physical difficulties Facts Exhaustion especially at night According to the Global Health and Aging report presented by the More things to do than they can handle. World Health Organization (WHO), “The number of people aged 65 or The family member caring for the aged parent has no valuable time to older is projected to grow from an estimated 524 million in 2010 to themselves (self-care activities e.g. bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, nearly 1.5 billion in 2050, with most of the increase in developing and getting in and out of bed) countries.” The time demands of caregiving often limit the opportunity to Impact of this aging population engage in other activities. Impact of Aging to the Family Family members caring for the elderly parents reported poorer  Psychological effects health and a worse primary care individual experience compared with Negative psychological effects of caregiving span a continuum non-caregiver individuals with similar demographics, including age, ranging from the perception that caregiving is stressful or burdensome, gender, ethnicity, and level of social deprivation (Persson et al., 2015). to symptoms of depression and/or anxiety, to clinical depression diagnosed by a health professional, to impaired quality of life (Schulz and Sherwood, 2008; Zarit et al., 1980). 7 6  In NSOC, 20 percent of all caregivers and 39 percent of Positive Impacts caregivers of high-need older adults reported that they experienced a Some elderly are physically and mentally healthy, can make substantial level of physical difficulty. positive contributions to society by working and continue to Sleep problems affected more than 40 percent of caregivers pay taxes. and were highly correlated with reports of substantial negative effects Can do volunteering services to the community substantially of caregiving (Spillman et al, 2014). minimizing government expenditure on welfare. In the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), Capistrant and Can be the center of family cohesiveness. colleagues (2012) found that being a spousal caregiver independently Aid their families with childcare and find satisfaction in predicted incident cardiovascular disease. Longer-term caregivers had providing various other charitable services. twice the risk of short-term caregivers. However, this effect was Transmitting generational values and beliefs observed only among whites, not among non-whites. Ji and colleagues (2012) reported similar results for spousal Impact of Aging population on healthcare caregivers of persons with cancer. After cancer diagnosis in their According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health spouse, the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke were Promotion, the first Baby Boomers (those born between 1946 and higher in both husband-and-wife caregivers when compared to 1964) turned 65 in 2011. husbands and wives without an affected spouse. Prevalent physical By 2030, it is projected that more than 60% of this generation problems included sleep disturbance, fatigue, pain, loss of physical will be managing more than 1 chronic condition. strength, loss of appetite, and weight loss (Stenberg et al., 2010). Managing these chronic conditions, along with a patient’s level of disability, will increase the financial demands on our Positive psychological effects health care system. Most common are caregiving rewards or benefits include The cost increases with the number of chronic conditions being appreciation of life, personal growth, enhanced self-efficacy, treated, considering the expected twice as many hospital admissions competence or mastery, self-esteem, and closer relationships (Haley et and physician visits for Baby Boomers by 2030 al., 2009; J. H. Kim et al., 2007; Y. Kim et al., 2007). WHO Report It also instills confidence, provides meaning and purpose in According to the WHO report, some believe that as life life, enhance skills, and bring the caregiver closer to the older adult. expectancy increases, the prevalence of disability will decrease because the progress made in medicine that has Impact of Aging Population on Society slowed down disease progression from chronic disease to Aging population and society disability (WHO, 2012). Slows down the gross domestic product of a country. As a result, there will be a decrease in severe disability, but More taxes because it’s expensive to maintain elderly people there will be increases in milder chronic diseases. (ill health and disability due to disease) Other researchers, however, believe that as life expectancy increases, Demand more care in terms of support system like taking care the prevalence of disability will increase (Suzman, 2015) of their hygiene activities, food, crossing roads, running daily Health conditions that are expected to be a challenge to the health errands etc. care system with the increasing aging population include: Decreased participation rates (amount of people in the Expected challenges to the healthcare system. workforce Resource needs will continue to increase across all health Increased dependency rates (ratio of older people to younger care settings. people) The incidence of obesity will continue to increase. Increased fiscal gap (amount of money being spent by government on various sectors) 9 8  A shortage of health care professionals is expected Inability to independently manage regular activities of living The diversity of caregivers’ lags behind the growing diversity Difficulty coping and accepting physical changes of aging of patients (Vision, sexual function, hearing loss) Care has been focused on a single disease versus addressing Frustration with ongoing medical problems and increasing comorbidity. number of medications. The sustainability and structure of federal programs in Feeling inadequate from inability to continue to work. relation to the increasing aging population are a concern. Boredom from retirement and lack of routine activities Changes in family structure may lead to fewer family Financial stresses from the loss of regular income caregivers. These factors can have a negative impact on overall health of an older Adapting and adjusting to the Affordable Care Act pose individual. challenges. Nursing Care of the Older Adult in Wellness Impact of Aging to the Economy Health promotion of the elderly Increase in dependency ratio. Health promotion is the process of enabling people to More pension less workforce. increase control over & improve their health by developing Increased government spending on health care and pensions their resources to maintain or enhance well-being. Aging population & Economy Health promotion is an action for health using knowledge, Decreases growth in GDP per capita by 5.5%. Two-thirds of communication & understanding. the reduction in GDP growth is driven by a reduction in the Component of health promotion rate of growth of GDP per worker, or labor productivity, 1. Exercise while only one-third is due to slowing labor force growth 2. Nutrition (National Research Council, 2012; Burtless, 2013) 3. Rest & sleep. Those in work may have to pay higher taxes. 4. Periodic medical check up Shortage of workers 5. High risk behavior Changing sectors within the economy. An increase in the 6. Spiritual well-being numbers of retired people will create a bigger market for 7. Psychosocial well-being goods and services linked to older people (e.g. retirement homes) 1- Exercise Higher savings for pensions may reduce capital investment. If Physical benefits of exercise society is putting a higher % of income into pension funds, it 1) Consumption of body fat could reduce the amount of savings available for more 2) Improve cardio-vascular capacity (by↑ blood flow----- keep productive investment, leading to lower rates of economic tissue healthy) growth. 3) Control hypertension& blood sugar. 4) Improve respiratory function. Impact of Aging to the Individual 5) Improve joint flexibility. Worthlessness 6) Improve pattern of sleep & rest 7) ↑ independency Some elderly people experience loneliness and depression in 8) Improve sense of well –being & relaxation old age, either as a result of living alone or due to lack of close family ties. Loneliness from losing a spouse and friends. 11 10  9) Maintain mind’s function. 2. Nutrition 10) Promote sense of normality It is neglected especially by those living alone or with low income. 11) Peristaltic movement Factors affecting nutritional status: Psychological benefits of exercise 1) Age related changes 1. Improve mood state. 2) Psychosocial factors 2. Improve self-image. 3) Economic factors 3. Reduce stress. 4) Cultural factors 4. Enhance sleep. 5. Improve depressive state of elderly. Age related changes Social benefits of exercise ↓ Taste & smell Improve social interaction & relation with other. ↓ Visual acuity Loss of teeth & poor fitting denture Role of the nurse during exercise ↓ Gastric secretion→ influence in absorption of B12, folic I. Assessment done at the beginning of exercise program include: acid& iron. 1. History & physical examination (CVS, resp, musculoskeletal & Food remains longer time in stomach + ↓ gastric secretion neurological system) will lead to indigestion &feeling of fullness. 2. Renal & liver function tests Psychosocial factors 3. ECG, & exercise stress test Depression is common (losses, death, retirement, change of 4. Assess range of motion & use of assistive devices. body appearance, impaired vision &poor physical fitness) this 5. Assess environmental hazards. will lead to lack of interest in eating& anorexia and ↓ food II. Set a regular time to exercise each day. intake. III- Before starting exercise the nurse should advice the elderly about: Living alone also will lead to lack of incentive to cook &eat. 1. Document baseline resting function status (height & respiratory rate, Economic Factors blood sugar) Low income 2. 10 minutes warms up stretching exercise. Limited access to food and food choices 3. Drink water before and after exercise is important as water will be lost Inadequate facilities to food storage and preparation during exercise. Cultural factors 4. Clothes worn during exercise should allow for easy movement and Eating habits may miss certain food groups as vegetarians. perspiration. 5. Athletic shoes provide both support and protection. Fluid intake 6. Outdoor exercise should be avoided in extremely hot or cold weather. Elderly at high risk for dehydration due to: During exercise o ↓ Thirst sensation Monitor heart & resp. rate. o Inadequate fluid intake (2000-3000 cc/day) required. Stop exercise if elderly have fatigue, chest pain or o Some medications, such as for high blood pressure ↑heart & resp. rate or anti-depressants, and diuretic After exercise: o Some medications may cause patients to sweat more. 10 minutes cooling up at end of exercise. Monitor pulse rate during cooling for returning to resting. height. rate 13 12  o Frail seniors have a harder time getting up to get a drink when they’re thirsty, or they rely on caregivers 3. Spend time outdoors in the sunlight each day but avoid the period who can’t sense that they need fluids. between 12 Md to 3 PM sunshine exposure. o As we age our bodies lose kidney function and are 4. Engage in relaxing activities near bedtime. less able to conserve fluid (this is progressive from 5. Avoid tobacco at bedtime o around the age of 50, but becomes more acute and 6. Avoid drink any caffeinated beverages before noticeable over the age of 70) midafternoon. o Illness, especially one that causes vomiting and/or 7. Limit fluid intake after the dinner hour if nocturia is a diarrhea, also can cause elderly dehydration. problem. Nurse Role 8. Limit daytime naps to 30 minutes or less. Assessment involves nutritional history, physical 9. Avoid using the bed for watching TV, writing bills, and examination, anthropometric measurements, biochemical reading. evaluation, cognitive & mood evaluation. Health history related to nutrition. 4. Periodic medical examination Anthropometric measurement Importance of Periodic medical examination: Client and family education 1. Assess elderly level of well-being 2. Detect early signs of disease Dietary guideline for old persons 3. Educate client how to promote his health Eat a variety of food. 4. Reinforce + promoting & protecting behaviors Maintain a healthy weight & height. 5. If examination done at home, it permits evaluation of environment (hazards care giver…) Choose a diet low in fat, saturated & cholesterol. 5. Health screening Choose a diet plenty of vegetables, fruits & grain products. Use sugar & salts in moderate. 6. Spiritual Well- being Drink 200-3000cc/daily Spiritual well-being is a state in which the positive aspects of spirituality are experienced, incorporated and lived by the individual 3. Rest& sleep and reflected into one’s environment. Person spends 1/3 of his life in sleep. Signs of spiritual distress: Sleep is time for cell growth& repair. 1. Doubt Elderly need 5-7 hrs. at night. 2. Despair Importance of Rest& sleep: 3. Guilt Conserve energy. 4. Boredom Provide organ respite (rest) 5. Expression of anger toward God Restore the mental alertness& neurological efficiency. Relieve tension. Benefits that people experience from spiritual wellbeing counseling and Emerge feeling of well being. groups Nursing measures adopted to promote sleep. 1. A feeling of being more contented with their life’s situation 1. Engage in exercise program. 2. Greater enjoyment of self-time, finding an inner peace 2. Avoid exercise within 3-4 hr. of bedtime. 3. Greater ability to take control of and resolve their life’s issues 14 15  4. A greater sense of satisfaction in their activities and life situations 5. Ability to take a more active part in life rather than standing still and 2. Every year, the Department of Social Welfare and Development watching it pass by (DSWD), with other government agencies, local government units 6. Ability to build more intimate, loving and lasting relationships (LGUs) and nongovernment organizations (NGOs), lead the 7. A greater feeling of purpose and meaning in their life celebration of Elderly Filipino Week. 7. Psychosocial Well- being 3. This is to emphasize the important role of older persons in nation- Psychosocial changes may alter an individual relationship with others. building, and to raise and address issues concerning the sector. Physical wellbeing depends on: The first week of October is Elderly Filipino Week Psychosocial wellbeing According to the 2010 census, senior citizens or those aged 60 years Social structure old and over comprise 6.8% of our total population. Personal relationships Based on the 2010 census, about 7 million – aged 60 years old and Role of the nurse in health promotion over –comprise our population. 1. Assessment to his physical health, Psychosocial Well- being, lifestyle Republic Act No. 7432, or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2003 pattern, hobbies, high risk behaviors, knowledge, believes& attitudes RA 9994, an amendment to RA 7432 to include additional services that affect health & wellbeing. RA 10645, an amendment to RA 9994 to provide mandatory 2. Assess health needs PhilHealth coverage for all senior citizens. 3. Assess social, environmental & cultural influences on health behaviors DISCOUNTS* 4. Lifestyle modifications is a comprehensive approach for effective 20% discount on: change in health promotion behaviors Medical-related privileges 5. The nurse’s role should be directed toward helping elderly to cope 1. Medicine and drug purchases with his function level ------delay disabilities & impairments. 2. Medical supplies, accessories and equipment 6. Nurse identifies environmental hazards & make necessary 3. Medical and dental services modifications 4. Professional fees of attending physician 7. Identify social needs & encourage participation & social support 5. Professional fees of licensed health workers providing home groups. health care services 8. Nurse should inform elderly & caregivers about aging process, Transportation common disorders & disabilities, different services available 1. Air and Sea 9. Encourage elderly to take better care of them, avoid high risk 2. Land: LRT, MRT, PNR, buses, jeepneys, taxi and behaviors, & hazards affecting their health. shuttle services 10. Regular and continuous evaluation is important aspect of a nurse’s DISCOUNTS* role. Hotels, restaurants, recreational facilities, places of leisure SERVICES & PROGRAMS FOR THE ELDERLY Hotels, restaurants, theaters, cinemas, concert halls, circuses, What benefits are senior citizens entitled to? leisure and amusement 1. In 1994, October as Linggo ng Katandaang Filipino (Elderly Filipino Recreation centers Week) through Proclamation No. 470. Fees, charges and rental for sports facilities and equipment Funeral services Funeral and burial expenses include casket or urn, embalming, cremation cost, and other services. 16 17  EXEMPTIONS grants, financial aids, subsidies and other incentives. 1. Utility discount 6. Benefits and privileges for retirees Grant of a minimum of 5% discount relative to the monthly a. Continuance of the same benefits and privileges by GSIS, use of water and electricity, provided that the meter is SSS and PAG-IBIG as enjoyed by those in active service. registered under the name of the senior citizen residing 7. Privileges on special discounts in special programs therein and does not exceed 100 kWh. 8. OTHERS 2. Tax exemption A valid and original Senior Citizens’ Identification Card. Exemption from payment of individual income tax of those Issued by the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) in the city or who are considered to be minimum wage earners municipality where the senior citizen resides. 3. Training fee exemption Must be a Filipino citizen who is a resident of the Philippines Training fees for socio-economic programs conducted by Must be 60 years old or above private and government agencies subject to the guidelines May apply to senior citizens with dual citizenship provided that they issued by DTI, DOLE, DA, TESDA and DOST-TRC. prove their Filipino citizenship and have at least six months residency FREEBIES in the Philippines Free medical and dental services The Official Gazette of the Philippines, Philippine Statistics Authority Free vaccinations Manila, D.O.L.E. fund livelihood programs of senior-citizen GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE organizations, groups 1. Social Pension Philippines News Agency -December 17, 2016 Indigent senior citizens shall be entitled to a monthly stipend MANILA City Hall and the Department of Labor and amounting to P500 to augment daily subsistence and other medical Employment (DOLE) needs. Assisted Livelihood Program helps senior citizen- 2. Mandatory PhilHealth coverage beneficiaries to be productive, self-reliant and self-developed; All senior citizens are covered by the national health insurance fosters their capacity to attain a more meaningful, productive program of PhilHealth. and satisfying life; and promotes entrepreneurship through 3. Social safety nets small income-generating projects despite their age. The social safety assistance shall include, but not be limited to, food, The city government has also started giving out P6,000 in medicines, and financial assistance for house repair to cushion social pensions annually to indigent senior citizens. effects of economic, disaster and calamity shocks. Manila, D.O.L.E. fund livelihood programs of senior-citizen organizations, 4. Death benefit assistance groups Philippines News Agency -December 17, 2016 a. Assistance of a minimum of P2,000 shall be given to the 1. Centenarians, or those who are 100 years old and older are given a nearest surviving relative who took care of the deceased special cash gift of P100,000. Since April 17 centenarians have senior citizen. received P100,000 each. Every centenarian also receives P10,000 each 5. OTHERS during the yearly celebration of Araw ng Maynila on June 24. a. Express lanes 2. Manila’s elderly can also watch movies for free on Mondays, Tuesdays b. Express lanes shall be provided in all private, banking, and Thursdays in any movie house in the city. commercial and government establishments; priority shall be given in their absence. c. Educational privileges o Assistance shall be granted to senior citizens to pursue education through provision of scholarships, 18 19 HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF OLDER PERSONS- 3. Residential care services (RCS) RA 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 4. Community-based services for senior citizens and their families 1. DOH to administer free vaccination against the influenza virus and 5. Sheltered workshop for senior citizens pneumococcal diseases for indigent senior citizens. 6. Home care support service 2. The DOH in coordination with local government units (LGUs), NGOs 7. Volunteer resource services (VRS) and POs for senior citizens shall institute a national health program and shall provide an integrated health service for senior citizens. Silver Linings for the Elderly in the Philippines: Policies and Programs for 3. It shall train community – based health workers among senior citizens Senior Citizens health personnel to specialize in the geriatric care and health problems The Philippines, recognizing the growing population of elderly citizens, has of senior citizens. implemented various policies and programs to support and enhance the lives of 4. Republic Act No. 7876 senior citizens. These initiatives provide crucial benefits and services that FILIPINO SENIOR CITIZENS CENTRE improve the well-being and quality of life for older adults. Here are some of the key policies and programs that serve as silver linings for the elderly in the 5. “AN ACT ESTABLISHING A SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER IN ALL Philippines: CITIES AND MUNICIPALITIES OF THE PHILIPPINES February 14, 1995” 1. Senior Citizens Act (Republic Act No. 9994): 6. Recreational, educational, health and social programs and facilities o This landmark legislation grants numerous benefits to senior designed for the full enjoyment and benefit of the senior citizens citizens, including a 20% discount on goods and services, PROGRAMS OF DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH exemption from the value-added tax, free medical and dental 1. Creation of a National Technical Working Group on the Health and Well- services, and a monthly social pension for indigent seniors. being of Older Persons (DPO. No. 2011- 3578 dated June 29, 2011 2. Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010: Chaired by NCDPC- Director III. o An enhancement of the Senior Citizens Act, this law 2. Planning Meeting for the Senior Citizens Immunization increases the scope of benefits and privileges for senior Program citizens, including a 5% discount on utility bills and 3. Consultative Planning and Finalization of Immunization exemption from training fees for socioeconomic programs. 3. Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens: Guidelines for Indigent Senior Citizens o Under the Department of Social Welfare and Development 1. Provision of Pneumococcal and Flu Vaccines to Indigent (DSWD), indigent seniors receive a monthly pension to help with their daily subsistence and medical needs. Senior Citizens aged 60 years old and above using the 4. Centenarians Act of 2016 (Republic Act No. 10868): NHEIGHTS of the DSWD including GO – NGO shelter homes in o This law grants a one-time cash gift and a letter of felicitation 2011 from the President to Filipinos who reach the age of 100, 2. Conduct annual “Summer Camp ni Lolo at Lola “ honoring their longevity and contribution to society. 3. Support the annual “Walk for Life” for the elderly every October 5. PhilHealth Benefits: DSWD Long Term Care Program For Senior Citizens General o Senior citizens are automatically covered under the national Implementing Guidelines Long Term Care Services For Senior health insurance program, PhilHealth, which provides Citizens Components & Services benefits such as inpatient, outpatient, and preventive care 1. To promote active aging and improve the quality of life of Filipino services. senior citizens. 2. Social welfare 20 21 6. Senior Citizens Centers: o The government, through local government units (LGUs), establishes and maintains senior citizens centers that serve as venues for social, recreational, and health-related activities tailored for the elderly. 7. Barangay Health Worker (BHW) Program: o This program includes training BHWs to provide basic health services to senior citizens, ensuring that older adults in rural and urban areas have access to primary healthcare. 8. Programs and Services from the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC): o The NCSC oversees the implementation of laws and policies for senior citizens, offering programs focused on health, social protection, and the promotion of active aging. 9. Livelihood and Training Programs: o Various government agencies, including the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), provide livelihood training and opportunities for senior citizens, enabling them to remain productive and financially independent.