Taking Care of the Elderly

Sometimes I wonder what will happen to me when I get old. Will someone take care of me? Or will I be one of the unfortunate people who will spend Christmases and other memorable events alone or with other unfortunate abandoned elderly?

The graying population in the United States is rapidly growing. In the years to come the baby boomers would be in this group. Filipinos are no exception. As we look around, we would notice that the aging population includes a lot of Filipinos in America. The children brought their parents here to help the family as they struggle for better life.

All over the world, in rich and poor countries alike, populations are ageing – and rapidly. People everywhere are living longer and having fewer children. Consequently, societies around the globe are facing the daunting prospect of having to support huge numbers of older people with smaller families and fewer workers to put money in the pension program.

The Elderly in the Philippines

In the Philippines, living alone in the twilight of one’s life is unthinkable as it means that the family has somehow reneged on its implied duty to care for its own. Iyan ang maipagmamalaki ko sa ating bayan. Hindi ka basta itatakwil ng iyong mga mahal sa buhay kung dumating ang panahon na ikaw ay matanda na at hindi mo na kayang mabuhay na magisa. In our country, the norm is for the elderly to be taken care of by kin – chiefly spouse and/or children among the ever married and other relatives such a siblings, nephews, and nieces. Children are reared to respect their parents, and that means taking care of them when they grow old. In the same way that children, especially those who made good in life, are taught to support their whole families including parents.

But still there are times when one will see some elderly who are left wondering around with no place to stay. They end up at Golden Acres, a government institution that cares for senior citizens aged 60 and above, both male and female, who are abandoned and needy. When you visit the Golden Acres, however, it is a place you would not want to be when you grow old. The facility does not provide the acceptable amenities to do the activities of daily living and live a comfortable elderly life.

As we all know, the absence of nursing homes in the Philippines is evident because our culture dictates that we take care of our old folks. Earlier studies found the idea of institutionalization of the elderly as “almost taboo.” Lately, however, there is the seeming acceptability of homes for the aged in the Philippines. This is very true in the United States. When the old Filipino folks in America can no longer live independently, they end up in nursing homes or adult family homes.

Aging in America

The defining social change that is taking place in this country is the aging of America. Studies show that the number of people over 65 has grown tenfold since the turn of the last century. But we’re only at the beginning of the curve – the baby boomers are moving across the demographic chart in a huge wave. The aging of the American society has created new demands and problems. Currently a quarter of all households are caring for an older relative.

Unlike in the Philippines, the U.S. government provides a range of programs that offer services and opportunities for older Americans, especially those at risk of losing their independence. The government has programs to help vulnerable older persons to remain their own homes by providing supportive services. The government has a range of services including nutrition, senior center, health promotion and homemaker services. They put emphasis on elder rights programs, including the nursing home ombudsman program, legal services, outreach, public benefit and insurance counseling and elder abuse prevention efforts. Program funding is allocated to each State Agency on Aging to plan, develop and coordinate systems of supportive in-home and community-based services.

Kahit malungkot isipin na mahirap tumanda sa America dahil kadalasan ay napapabayaan ng mga kamaganak ang kanilang magulang, it’s still the best place to live as an elderly dahil suportado ang mga elderly dito sa America.