Government and family support for older adults in the Philippines

Joint Conference on Nursing, Diabetes & Medical Case Report

October 28-29, 2021 | Webinar

Eva Belingon Felipe-Dimog

Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Kaohsiung Medical University, No. 100 Shih-Chuan 1st Road, Sanmin District, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
Mountain Province State Polytechnic College, 2616 Bontoc, Mountain Province, Philippines

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Nurs Care

Abstract :

The Philippines has an increasingly aging population thereby increasing the demand for healthcare and support from families and the government. Studies showed that the family is the main caregiver of elderly parents/adults as dictated by the Filipino culture of filial piety and respectful behavior towards older people. However, this caring culture is now slowly declining due to deteriorating family values and societal influences brought about by modernization. To assist Filipino older adults on their socioeconomic needs of Filipino older adults, laws and policies were enacted and being implemented by the government. Unfortunately, benefits from these government programs are not fully enjoyed by Filipino older adults due to implementation issues on the local government unit level. Hence, the government needs to revisits its policies and programs to cater to the needs and promote the rights and privileges of these vulnerable population group especially when families are incapable of providing care to their elderly. Family and the government can partner in giving care and support to Filipino older adults. The unique filial piety culture and respectful behavior towards older people must also be maintained. This article provides an overview of caring behavior of Filipino families to their elderly and the various government policies concerning socioeconomic assistance and privileges given to its senior citizens.

Biography :

Eva Belingon Felipe-Dimog has completed her Master’s degree at the age of 29 years from the University of the Philippine Manila. She is now 34 years of age and currently taking her PhD in Public Health from Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan. She is also a faculty member of the Department of Nursing in Mountain Province State Polytechnic College, Bontoc, Mountain Province, Philippines. She has one published perspective article and another accepted paper to be published on the third week of Septemeber, 2021.