St.

Bridget College, College Department

CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM

Introduction

“Where there is no honor to the elderly, there is no future for the

young.” (Pope Francis’ General Audience, 04 March 2015 at Saint Peter’s

Square). “Older persons,” he said, “are usually the most inclined to being

vulnerable and isolated.” Yet, the existing trends in technology such as

social media, although far from the traditional ways to which the elderly are

oriented, can provide new opportunities for meeting people, maintaining

existing relationships and combating needless isolation.

If industrial societies view the elderly as a social problem, as what is

happening in some influential cultures like Europe, along with the fast

paced speed of technological advances, then this situation can persist and

become widespread, encouraging most people, especially the young, to

dismiss the knowledge and skills of the elderly as unimportant and

superficial.

If the use of internet and various technologies involved in the

advancement of almost everything hampers and obstructs participation

from older persons as most efforts are geared on harnessing the

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potentials of the young population, then it is with the same means of

technology that the elderly can be provided with an avenue where they can

get involved, become informed and empowered.

If the elderly, the senior citizens, particularly in the Philippine setting,

are merely looked upon as receivers of charity and dole-outs in the form of

discounts and freebies coming in all sorts of provisions, then the higher

levels of total, holistic and humanistic development which includes feelings

of belongingness and social integration can be overlooked and eventually

neglected.

If the idea of getting old means getting dysfunctional and inefficient –

unable to ‘go-with-the-times’ persists in the minds of the younger

population, then we might all be missing a lot of opportunities and means

to help the ‘pioneers’ of our time catch the most out of this present age

with its development and innovations.

Considering greater possibilities for improvement and awareness,

the researchers were particularly challenged to help in the development

and participation of older persons and thus would like to conduct a study

on their social integration and empowerment through the use of various

social media.

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Statement of the Problem

This study was conducted with the aim of determining the use of

social media as source of empowerment and social integration of the

elderly in Batangas City.

Specifically, this study sought to answer the following questions;

1. What is the demographic profile of the respondents according

to:

1.1 age;

1.1.1 functional age

1.1.2 perceived age

1.1.3 cognitive age

1.2 sex;

1.3 civil status;

1.4 highest educational attainment; and

1.5 source of income

2. What types of social media tools are being used by the

respondents?

3. What is the level of experience of the respondents to social

media in terms of:

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3.1 competency; and

3.2 frequency

4. What is the extent of empowerment and social integration of

the respondents in the use of social media?

5. What course of action may be proposed in relation to the

empowerment and social integration of the elderly by means of social

media tools?

Scope and Delimitation

This study was aimed to foster awareness and determine the means

of empowering the elderly through social media so that a feasible course of

action can be administered to both users and non-users, and so to aid in

their social integration.

Moreover, this study focused on the elderly people of Batangas City

who used social media. Specifically, this study was initiated to gather the

profile of the respondents which included their age, sex, civil status,

highest educational attainment and their source of income by means of

conducted survey. The researchers applied certain criteria in terms of the

selected respondents by their social media used and these were; those

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elderly who used gadgets as another medium of communication, and

those who constantly used the internet.

The researchers delimited in this study, the physiological problems

encountered by the elderly such as poor eyesight, hearing difficulties and

several identical issues.

The respondents of this study were the active elderly members of

Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) under the City Social Welfare and

Development Office (CSWDO). This study did not include older persons

who are not duly registered in the said agency.

Significance of the Study

The result of this study may serve as useful information to the

following groups of people in their respective field of endeavor.

Local Government Officials. This study may provide information to

the local government officials to translate national goals into a local action

plan responsive to the needs of the elderly people.

Faculty. The findings of this study may serve as guide for the faculty

to understand the condition of the elderly. It will serve as a reference for

them to formulate an appropriate and relevant outreach program for the

elderly.

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Students. The result of this study will help open their mind, increase

consciousness and challenge discriminating systems affecting the elderly.

Parents. This study will be significant for them in dealing with the

elderly. It will be an instrument for them to become fully aware on the

impact of social media in the elderly people which will give them the

opportunity to support and initiate to conduct different programs and

services that will benefit on the welfare of the elderly people.

Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) Administrators. This

study may serve as an indication for the OSCA administrators to further

improve the quality of social welfare services including programs and

projects for the elderly in Batangas City.

City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO)

Administrators. The findings of this study will be a means to take actions

on how they can strengthen and improve the formulation of certain

programs, projects and services for and with the elderly in Batangas City.

Future Researchers. This study will serve as reference for other

researchers who will conduct research in similar context, nature and terms

of the study yet differing in features and aspects

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CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter presents a review of related literature and related

studies. These helped the researchers in the formulation of the problem

and the methodologies that has been applied in this study.

Conceptual Literature

This conceptual literature was relevant to the study in exploring the

dominant terms of the research: old age, empowerment, integration, and

social media. These helped the researchers relate and understand more

the different ideas and concepts about the life event of the elderly people

which linked on how they responded to the emerging trends of the Digital

Revolution in the 21st century or the “Transition Generation” specifically on

their use of social media.

Old age. It is the final stage in the life course, socially constructed

stages that people pass through as they live out their lives. The process of

aging begins at about age forty; however, the process of aging begins to

seem more negative, as if people start growing down. On this stage of life,

physical strength declines and illness becomes more common. Growing

old is not just a matter of biological changes. How a culture defines this

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stage of life makes a great deal of difference in how people experience old

age. As people age, declining health limits their ability to get around, and

negative stereotypes of the elderly as sickly, old-fashioned, or “out of

touch” may keep younger people. Social isolation is more common among

elderly women than men. Among people over sixty-five, 71 percent of men

live with a wife, but only 41 percent of women live with a husband. From

another angle, 19 percent of elderly men live alone, compared with 40

percent of older women. Women typically outlive men. But it is also true

that widowers are more likely to remarry than widows. Men have a better

chance to find another spouse because U.S. culture supports the pairing of

older men and younger women much more than the pairing of older

women with younger men (Macionis, 2007).

In the context of being old, there is an ageing process that describes

a biological reality which has its own dynamic, largely beyond human

control. However, it is also subject to the constructions by which each

society makes sense of old age. In the developed world, chronological time

plays a paramount role. The age of 60 or 65, roughly equivalent to

retirement ages in most developed countries and is said to be the

beginning of old age. In many parts of the developing world, chronological

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time has little or no importance in the meaning of old age. Other socially

constructed meanings of age are more significant such as the roles

assigned to older people; in some cases it is the loss of roles

accompanying physical decline which is significant in defining old age.

Thus, in contrast to the chronological milestones which mark life stages in

the developed world, old age in many developing countries is seen to

begin at the point when active contribution is no longer possible (Gorman,

2000).

According to Biggs et al. (2006), UK government redefined the adult

life course through opportunity age, wherein older people are richer, filter

and more similar to the rest of the adult population than ever before. He

cited that three themes can be identified within UK policy discourse, which

constitutes an attempt to re-engineer a shift to a new ‘reality’ of aging. First

the use of the label ‘older people’ has become much more imprecise.

Second, older people are becoming re-defined as being little different to

other age groups. Third, and perhaps most extraordinarily, it is claimed

that differences based on age are a result of wrong attitudes. Age is in the

mind in the perceptions of ageing and old age depends on where individual

stand. To a teenager, a person in his 30s is old. But many people even in

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their 70s and 80s do not regard themselves as old and reject being labeled

according to their chronological age. Many people would agree, therefore,

that old age is a state of mind rather than a fixed chronological point.

Biggs et al. added that the task of ‘transforming cultural stereotypes’

is now seen to be ‘including those among older people themselves’ even

though ‘today’s older people are already challenging old preconceptions’.

So, ‘old fashioned’ views and ‘old preconceptions’ and the ‘limited horizons

of previous generations’ must not be allowed to stand in the way of the

forward march of an ageless culture, even when they may not fit with the

beliefs of older people themselves. Extending the agenda from

emancipation to combating illusions held by older people opens door to

discrediting distinctive age characteristics and for personal narratives and

experience to conform to the policy ideal. We are suffering, then, from

poverty of attitudes rather than of disposable wealth, or a failing body.

According to Gines et al. (2011), in the Philippine culture, the

negative stereotype about the elderly is not noticeable, although very few

Filipino families influenced by the Western culture seem to show negative

attitudes towards late adulthood. This may be so because of their

emphasis on growth, strength, and progress. In general, the Filipinos view

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their late adults with respect. And so, ageism which is a prejudice against

an age group does not prevent the Filipino elderly from living lives as

actively and happily as they might; it does not also preclude much day-to-

day contact between those over 65 and those younger. Ageism may be the

most destructive social prejudice of all.

Gines et al. added that in measuring intelligence, cross-sectional

researches abroad discovered that on almost any measure of cognitive

development, individuals older than 60 do less well than individual younger

than 60 and individuals in their late 70’s and 80’s perform even less well.

Longitudinal researches abroad confirm that there is a general decline in

some cognitive abilities after age 60 and in most cognitive abilities after

age 70. The finding above is confirmed by a generalized observation

among the Filipino elderly that there is really a decline on intellectual

sharpness among the 70’s and more among the 80’s.

It is true that there is a decline in some aspects of cognition, but

there are positive changes in other aspects of their life. A number of older

individuals become more philosophical and reflective than they once were,

showing a rise in inferiority. It is observed that those individuals who are

considered especially wise, philosophical, and spiritual have usually

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become aged. To view cognitive development in an adaptive perspective,

there is what is called as the charming magical thinking of the pre-

schooler, the idealistic logic of the adolescent, the pragmatic, acquisitive

learning of the adult, and the wisdom and spirituality of the old which are

adapted to the needs of each particular age.

According to Zastrow (2011), in most nonliterate societies, older

adults were respected and viewed as useful to their people to a much

greater degree as in the case in our society. Industrialization and the

growth of modern society have robbed the elderly of high status. Prior to

industrialization, older people were the primary owners of property. Many

workers who retire early supplement their pension by taking another job,

usually of lower status. About 86 percent of Americans 65 years of age

and older are retired, even though many are intellectually and physically

capable of working. In our society, we still view a person’s worth partly by

his or her work. People often develop their self-image (their sense of who

they are) in terms of their occupation – “I am a teacher,” “I am a barber,” “I

am a doctor.” Because the later years generally provide no exciting new

roles to replace the occupational roles lost on retirement, a retiree cannot

proudly say, “I am a. . .” Instead she or he must say, “I was a good. . .” The

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more a person’s life revolves around work, the more difficult retirement is

likely to be.

Social Media. Social media is a powerful force that is here to stay. It

is not an ephemeral fad. In social media, you are not just a passive

consumer but rather an active producer of content. It is inherent in social

media to share information, collaborate with others and create

communities online. Social media tools include social networking,

photosharing, videosharing, digital gaming and open-sourced software. To

be human is to be social. One cannot help but socialize, and the latest

web-based technological advances accentuate the fact that all are part of a

web relationship online. The term social media broadly refers to online

media that is designed to be used through social interaction. It is the social

interaction component that makes social media social. The best way to

understand the concept is to compare social media with traditional media.

Traditional media does not require social interaction at all. Social media,

on the other hand, necessitates social interaction. Consider Facebook as

an example, you simply cannot experience Facebook without socially

interacting with other people online. It is senseless to have a social

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networking account without friending others or sharing user-generated

content with them (Cuyos, 2013).

According to Leist (2013), the main motivations for older adults to

use social media are enjoyment, engaging in social contact, and to provide

and receive social support. Especially if users engage in online social

networking continuously, they are motivated by feelings of enjoyment

during use. Similarly, in content analyses of online communities of older

adults, the most important topic has been identified as ‘fun’. Enjoyment can

be enhanced by integrating games and other distractions into applications,

but should be regarded mainly as the result of an (online) activity that

complies with needs and interests of the person. Second, online

communities are identified as places where people can get together and

engage in social contact, e.g. overcome loneliness at night-time and to

receive up-to-date information on family members and acquaintances.

Third, social media can be used to provide and receive social support.

Here, users value general characteristics of computer-mediated

communication such as anonymous, asynchronous, and text-based

communication to connect with others. Social support is especially valued

when it comes from people with a similar background or similar

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experiences, which has been shown for online forums on depression,

cancer, alcoholism or caregiving issues. Clearly, the Internet provides

manifold possibilities for users with similar background to get in contact,

regardless of time and geographical restrictions. However, it was found

that in the face of very adverse critical life events, support primarily given

via face-to-face communication was preferred over support via computer

mediated communication. Also, the amount of information revealed in

online social networks may be dependent upon the network

characteristics, as with increased number of network ‘friends’, users may

refrain from revealing private information as they perceive social

monitoring.

Empowerment. The philosophy of empowerment states that we are

capable of making decisions for our own lives and futures. The

Empowerment Approach views individuals, couples, families, groups, and

communities as being essential participants in services and in problem

solving, rather than just as passive recipients of care. Individuals, families,

groups or communities can become empowered; that is, at any level,

helpers can assist other persons with the process of increasing personal

and political power to improve one’s situation. Empowerment also implies

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a belief that people are competent, capable, and valuable (Poindexter and

Valentine, 2007).

Empowerment has different terms such as “to give power or

authority to; to give ability; to enable; to permit.” Of these terms in the

social work practice, “to enable” is the most appropriate for social work

because in social work, people are assumed to have strengths and

capacities which is why participation and self-determination are basic

principles that guide practice. Empowerment-oriented social work practice,

therefore, is not social service delivery, but practice in which both client(s)

and worker are involved in mutual assessment and partnership in which

they together define and solve problems on behalf of the client group and

society in general. The beliefs in people’s own capacities and consequent

ability to solve their own problems is reflected in social welfare programs in

the country as early as the mid-fifties when President Ramon Magsaysay

created the Presidential Arm for Community Development (PACD) which

was based mainly on the principle of community “self-help” (Mendoza,

2008).

Empowerment is a relatively new concept in social work that is

useful for guiding practice at all levels. Over time, it will likely become more

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clearly operationalized for use with diverse client populations and

situations. Despite its limitations it has the potential to help client groups

develop more secure lives through substantive interpersonal and

community connections. The actions of social workers can always be

productively driven by a concern with client’s capacities to take control of

their lives (Walsh, 2006).

Integration. It is when the learner is able to attach personal,

meaning to the new information he learned and relating them to real life

situations. This is when the learner experiences illumination/ insightful

experience, as new information flashes suddenly into his brain. This is

similar to “printing” of the document as called for in the computer lingo

(Trajeco, 2007).

In the social work practice with groups, after the group appears to

have been formed and proceeds about its work, many things happen.

Interpersonal ties increase and a sense of group bond or “we feeling”

begins to become apparent. Goal-directed activities engage the members

since by this time group goals shall have been clarified. In the case of

developmental and tasked groups, the role and status structures usually

begin to emerge, and task and emotional leaders can be already identified.

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Members can show a great deal of enthusiasm for the group’s activities,

and while they may not be equally participative, the worker is optimistic

that the group will be able to achieve its goals. All these are aspects of

group’s movement toward integration (Mendoza, 2003).

In countries rocked by internal strives and conflicts brought about by

diverse cultures, religious, ethnic groups, races, dialects, creeds, loyalties,

or social classes, the school is tasked with exploring ways and means of

reducing if not totally eliminating friction and conflicts brought about by

racial, religious, ideological or socio-political biases and prejudices. People

are led to integrate themselves into the mainstream of society. To attain

this end, they are needed to be inculcated to the concepts and values of

cultural pluralism, cultural relativism, religious tolerance and religious

pluralism, social responsibility, respect for cultural diversity and

interdependence as people of diverse cultural, political and historical

backgrounds live in harmony and peaceful co-existence as they go about

and participate in the daily activities of community life (San Juan and

Centeno, 2011).

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Related Literature

The studies served as a guide and reference for the researchers to

have initial information in understanding their studies.

According to the study of Cabilao (2005), entitled “The Role of Social

Worker or a Social Welfare Practitioner in the Social Protection of Older

Persons”, the social work profession and the social welfare practitioner

significantly contribute not only to provide social protection to the older

persons but also to empower the sector that eventually leads to the

creation of an environment conducive to graceful, grateful and productive

ageing. This role lead to continue to progress as the clients are

empowered. The level of interventions and competencies has skillfully

improved to respond to emerging needs. Thus, from a direct service

provider, a social worker or social welfare practitioner provides technical

assistance on the areas of planning, developing, organizing and

implementation of social welfare policies, programs and services.

It is projected that by the year 2050, 50 percent of the global

population will be comprised of people 60 years old and above. As of

2004, the projected Philippine population of persons aged 60 years old and

above totaled to 5,705,591. It comprised 6.9 percent of the whole

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population of the country based as the medium assumption of the National

Statistics Office (NSO). The breakdown of Older Persons’ statistics based

on categorization is as follows: young old (60-69) 3,448,304, old old (70-

79) 1,694,170, oldest old (80 and above) 563, 117. However, the number

is growing at a faster rate than many other countries and is expected to

increase to 18.1 percent of the total population, or exceed 11.1 million by

2025. In like manner, the projected average life expectancy for Filipinos is

69 years.

In the study of Castillo (2011), entitled “Wellness Concept and

Practices of the Elderly: Basis for a Wellness Program”, at present, the

Philippines is ranked 5th among the Southeast Asian countries with a high

annual population growth rate. The 2000 census of population and housing

society reported a total of 4.6 million elderly persons accounted to 6% of

the total population. Because of this, government and non-government

organizations give programs and services to the elderly. With the growing

number of the elderly in the Philippines, the government came up with

different programs that cater to the needs of the elderly.

In one of the studies conducted by the Department of Social Welfare

and Development (DSWD), issues and concerns of the elderly were

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discussed. These issues and concerns include security in old age, abuses

in home and institutions, health status and the impact of aging. The study

required the age, gender, highest educational attainment, civil status,

religion, place of origin, and placement institution. The said study looked

for the state of well-being of the elderly people.

According to Bautista et al. (2014), entitled “Bridging the gap: Senior

Citizens’ Use of Social Media as News and Information Source, social

media is significant to empower the elderly through quick flow of

information and news in the social media so they become updated and

bridges the gap as it allows participation from all ages. The said study

found out that the factors that enable the elderly to their use of social

media are education, economic status and their enabling environment (i.e.,

ownership and availability of gadgets, and social support).

Synthesis

After careful examination of the abovementioned conceptual

literature and related studies, the points of contrast and comparison with

the present study were provided. The reviewed literature provided the

researchers necessary information about the elderly people and how they

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will be empowered and interact within the society through social integration

by using social media.

The study of Cabilao (2005), discussed that senior citizens are

entitled to be treated in the participation, care, self-fulfillment, dignity, and

independence. Despite the fact that strategies which promote positive

images of ageing have been developed to varying degrees and levels, the

stereotyping of senior citizens as dependent, frail, troublesome, unable to

contribute and lacking in creativity still prevails, especially when they are

portrayed in the use of media. In comparison with his study, the present

study is challenge to alter the often negative stereotypes of senior citizens

among the general population.

In the study of Castillo (2011), he looks for the profile of the

respondents in terms of gender, highest educational attainment, civil

status, religion, place of origin, and placement institution. His study is

related to the present study of the researchers because both require the

profile of the subject of the study. On the other hand, the present study is

limited in gathering data about the age, sex, civil status, highest

educational attainment, and source of income of the respondents. The

researchers perceived that the profile of the respondents is considerable to

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know how these variables affect the empowerment and social integration

of the elderly as they used social media.

Bautista et al. (2014) talked about that notion of empowerment of

senior citizen has been associated with and applied to the domain of

media and ICT, and in particular to social media. Given the existing and

enduring inequalities in participation to and use of social media, it was

recommended that the attention be given to the issue of empowerment

particularly, how enabling empowerment among social media users is

possible through social media literacy and how this could help be

rebalance the participation inequality, which in the present study is in the

elderly. In the recent study, the focused is the empowerment and social

integration of the elderly people in the use of social media which is similar

to the study of Bautista et al. The studies vary in terms of who will be the

respondents since the study of Bautista et al. were the people in a larger

community while the present study will be the elderly in distinct community

of Batangas City.

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Theoretical Framework

For a wider perspective and a deeper understanding of the existing

situations in the life of the elderly, the researchers considered the

utilization of various theories in assessing the situations of older persons in

the context of empowerment and social integration, using social media as

a means.

Figure 1 shows the interrelation of theories related to the study. The

researchers sought for relevant theories concerning the elderly and their

development. These theories helped the researchers determine the

empowerment concept and social integration of the elderly by means of

social media, and create a feasible proposed action plan.

The Activity Theory of Old Age (Havighurst)

This theory claimed that maintaining physical, mental and social

activity was necessary in order for a person to successfully manage aging.

It implies that staying active and keeping up with social relationships were

significant in coping with the process of growing old.

In this study, staying active and keeping up with social ties were

assimilated into the ideas of empowerment and social integration, whereby

the elderly were capable of increasing their capacity to make choices, get

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involved in online discussions/forum and be acknowledged as self-

determined individuals not only looked upon as mere recipients of social

services and charity. The Activity Theory of Old Age relates to several

International treaties which state that an active involvement was a key in

enabling older persons achieved meaningful participation in decision-

making processes and advocacies, both in the context of family and

community.

Psychosocial Theory (Erik Erikson)

Erikson’s psychosocial theory focused on eight stages through which

a healthily developing human should passed from infancy to late

adulthood. He also said that in each stage, the person confronts and

hopefully masters new challenges. Each stages was built on the

successful completion of earlier stages which if not met may reappear as

problems in the future.

Among these eight stages, the researchers focused more on the last

stage which was the “old age”. Erikson stressed the psychosocial crisis on

this stage which was “ego integrity vs. despair”. As one becomes a senior

citizen, he/she tends to slow down his/her productivity and explores life as

a retired person. It is during this time that one contemplates on his/her

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accomplishments and was able to develop integrity if he/she sees

him/herself leading a successful life. If one sees his/her life as

unproductive, or feels that he/she did not accomplished his/her life goals,

he/she becomes dissatisfied with life and developed despair often leading

to depression and hopelessness.

This theory would be very much related and helpful to the analysis of

the data of the researchers. Since the subjects of this study were the

senior citizens, Erikson explained what crises the elderly experience at this

stage of their lives. The elderly might be frustrated or overwhelmed with

their accomplishments or with how society regarded their presence. This

had an effect on their empowerment and social integration.

Social Construction of Reality/Social Constructionism/ Social

Concept (Berger and Luckmann)

This theory argues that all knowledge, including the most basic is

derived from and maintained by social interaction. When people interact,

as in social media for example, they do so with the understanding that their

perceptions and insights are related. They can find a sense of common

knowledge through this interaction and, thus, begin to create among

themselves a basic and collective understanding of a particular object,

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topic or event. Among the most common interactions in social media that

provoke such activity is sharing news updates; finding relevant interests

and stances on issues one is interested in; the use of hashtags to convey

a particular trend or topic and similar means of sharing information.

This social concept verifies the foundations of the study namely, the

use of social media, the concepts of empowerment and social integration

whereby initiating conversations and sharing updates, pictures and videos

using social media automatically makes the elderly take part into an

endless circle of interaction capable of informing them to new trends and

means of how things work in the digital age, made complex by constantly

emerging developments.

The fore mentioned theories would be bases for supporting the

study’s thrust that older persons can be empowered and socially integrated

through social media as a potent means and source. The Activity Theory of

Havighurst presented the necessity of staying active and maintaining

social relationships in order to cope with old age. The Psychosocial Theory

of Erik Erikson provides the eight (8) stages through which a person must

passed in order to master new challenges. Among the stages to be dealt

with was the last which is old age. Erikson points out that the individual

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was expected to deal with “ego integrity vs. despair” during this stage.

Acquired ego integrity was dependent on the activities which the person

experienced in the past as well as on the satisfaction which was derived

from their accomplishments. In view of Berger and Luckmann’s Social

Constructionism, information and awareness can be initiated, shared and

sustained through constant social interaction. This social concept

strengthens and verifies the empowerment and social integration concept

of the subjects as it challenges what is known generally to public that, only

the young generation is capable of using social media proficiently.

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ACTIVITY
THEORY OF PSYCHOSOCIA
OLD AGE L THEORY
(HAVIGHURST) (ERIK ERIKSON)

Social Media: A
Source of
Empowerment &
Social Integration
of the Elderly

SOCIAL
CONSTRUCTIONISM
(BEGGER AND
LUCKMANN)

Figure 1
Theoretical Framework

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Conceptual Framework

This study was anchored on the idea that the elderly can be

empowered and socially integrated into wider circles through the use of

social media. It sought to prevent exclusion while carrying out and utilizing

means to strengthen the role of the elderly in social participation through

fostering awareness about emerging trends.

The conceptual paradigm shown in Figure 2 illustrates the Input-

Process-Output model. Presented in the input column were the profile of

the respondents, social media being used, level of competency and

frequency, and the extent of empowerment and social integration of the

respondents who have used social media. The input was completed

through the referral of the City Social Welfare and Development Office to

the Head of the Office for the Senior Citizens Affairs who presented and

chose the respondents.

The process shown in this model was comprised of data gathering

and analysis. Means of data gathering involved the administration of

questionnaires. Data gathered were processed which included the

recording and tabulation of information regarding the respondents’ profile,

social media being used, respondents’ level of competency and frequency

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and the extent of empowerment and social integration in the use of social

media.

The last concept presented was the output. The output of this study

would be a Proposed Action Plan on the use of social media with

objectives wrapped in the concepts of participation, empowerment and

social reintegration of the elderly, potentially creating a self-help group

aided by empowered senior citizens who will reach out with other members

of this sector. There would be a series of session to be held at OSCA

which would enable the participants, particularly both users and non-users

of social media, to be challenged and inspired by the testimonies of their

co-elderly using different social media tools.

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INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

1. Profile of the
Respondents

2. Social Media
Being Used

3. Level of Proposed Action

1. Gathering and
Competency Plan on the
Analysis of
and Empowerment
Frequency of Data
and Social
Social Media
Integration of the
Used 2. Survey
Elderly in the
Questionnaire
4. Extent of Office for Senior
Empowerment Citizens Affairs
and Social
Integration of
the
Respondents
in their Use of
Social Media

Figure 2
Conceptual Framework

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Definition of Terms

The following terms were defined in order to achieve better

understanding of the study.

Competency. This refers to the quality of being adequately or well

qualified physically and intellectually (Advanced English Dictionary and

Thesaurus, 2006). In this study, this term refers to the ability of the

respondents in the use of social media.

Elderly. It is used to describe a person who is beyond middle age

and approaching old age, also called senior citizens (Mosby's Dental

Dictionary, 2008). In this study, elderly people are the subjects of the

study who were been interviewed.

Empowerment. It means increasing one’s authority and control over

the resources and decisions that affect one’s life. As people exercise real

choice, they gain increased control over their lives (retrieved from

http://siteresources.worldbank.org on September 27, 2015). As used in

this study, empowerment is associated with how the elderly people

promote their capacity to manage control on the circumstances and

achieve their own goal.

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Frequency. It is defined as the rate at which something occurs over

a particular period of time or in a given sample (Oxford Dictionary of

English, 2010). The researchers used frequency in this study to find the

number of times respondents use social media.

Social Media. It is a form of electronic communication as web sites

for social networking and microblogging through which users create online

communities to share information, ideas, personal messages, and other

content as videos (Advanced English Dictionary and Thesaurus, 2006). In

this study, this term refers to the ways and means of communication which

the elderly people utilize.

Social Integration. It means being focused on the need to move

toward a safe, stable and just society by forming and mending conditions

of social disintegration - social fragmentation, exclusion and polarization;

and by expanding and strengthening conditions of social integration -

towards peaceful social relations of coexistence, collaboration and

cohesion ("Peace Dialogue." United Nations News Center; Web. 02 Jan.

2015). The researchers used this term in reference to how older persons

relate and participate with the wider spheres of society.

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CHAPTER III

RESEARCH DESIGN AND DATA GATHERING PROCEDURE

This chapter presents the research design, subject of the study, data

gathering instruments and procedure as well as the statistical treatment of

data.

Research Design

The researchers of this study used descriptive method of research to

come up with relevant data since the study focused on the empowerment

and social integration of the elderly people using social media. It required

the use of survey questionnaires in gathering, collecting, and interpreting

data needed in the study. It allowed the researchers to use the qualitative

information in validating situation. In addition, descriptive method included

the collection of data that test the answer of the questions concerning the

present status of the subject of the study. By using this method, the

researchers secured reliable, accurate and correct information of data

which were needed to foresee how the elderly cope with the different

changes in the society. Furthermore, it helped the researchers have a

better understanding of the nature of the study as well as in proposing

action plan for them.

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Subjects of the Study

The researchers considered having the elderly people from the

Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) of Batangas City as the subject of

the study. Through the referral of the agency’s Department Head, the

researchers were able to select 28 respondents considering their

participation in the aforementioned organization. The referrals of the

respondents were based from those who attended and visited the OSCA

regularly. The respondents considered have the capacity to answer the

survey questionnaires.

Data Gathering Instruments

The researchers used survey questionnaires as their data gathering

instruments and assured that the data gathered were reliable and drawn

from the respondents themselves. The first part of the survey

questionnaires included the respondent’s profile, next the second part

consists of the types of social media being used by the respondents, after

that the third part was the level of experience of competency and

frequency on the use of social media by the respondents. Finally, the

fourth part of the survey questionnaires measured the extent of the

respondents’ empowerment and social integration on the use of social

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media. Responses from the survey questionnaires included substantial

information to the current study. This tool attempted to let the researchers

expressed the gathered data in numerical form because it potentially

provide measurable and additional information. The instruments were very

useful to determine how elderly people used social media in empowering

themselves and socially integrating them into the digital world.

The following options and verbal interpretation were used in order to

explain the responses of the selected respondents for average weighted

mean.

Competency in the Use of Social Media

OPTION RANGE VERBAL INTERPRETATION

5 4.50 – 5.00 Excellent (E)
4 3.50 – 4.49 Good (G)
3 2.50 – 3.49 Average (A)
2 1.50 – 2.49 Poor (P)
1 0.50 – 1.49 Very Poor (VP)

Frequency in the Use of Social Media

OPTION RANGE VERBAL INTERPRETATION

5 4.50 – 5.00 Always (A)
4 3.50 – 4.49 Often (O)
3 2.50 – 3.49 Sometimes (SM)
2 1.50 – 2.49 Seldom (SL)
1 0.50 – 1.49 Never (N)

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Extent of Empowering and Socially Integrating the Elderly in the

Use of Social Media

OPTION RANGE VERBAL INTERPRETATION

5 4.50 – 5.00 Very High Extent (VHE)
4 3.50 – 4.49 High Extent (HE)
3 2.50 – 3.49 Moderate Extent (ME)
2 1.50 – 2.49 Limited Extent (LME)
1 0.50 – 1.49 Less Extent (LE)

Data Gathering Procedure

To make the study possible, the researchers constructed survey

questionnaires for the elderly. Through the help and approval of the

research adviser, the researchers have created and distributed request

letters addressed to distinguished professionals who are knowledgeable in

their field of specialization. They were chosen based on their profession as

they helped the researchers improve and validate their prepared survey

questionnaires. The researchers appreciated and willingly accepted the

comments and recommendations of the validators.

The researchers sent a letter of request to the Department Head of

the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) to inform the

institution about the purpose of the researchers. As the letter was received

by the Department Head of CSWDO, they were allowed to secure another

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letter to the Department Head of the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs

(OSCA) being under their institution. The OSCA Head recommended 28

elderly people as respondents of the study. Upon the approval of the

request, the researchers conducted survey through the distribution of

questionnaires. The respondents were given the time to answer the

questions stated in the survey questionnaires.

Statistical Treatment Data

The data gathered directly from the respondents were statistically

treated to infer with accuracy how the elderly people responded on the use

of social media. The researchers used survey questionnaire in order to find

the frequency, average, percentage and rank for tabulating, analyzing and

interpreting the data.

To find the percentage, the researchers identified first the total

number of respondents to be represented; next they count the total

number of observations within each criteria and scales; after that the total

observations were divided to the total number of the respondents. Finally,

in getting the percentage the result was multiplied by 100%.

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The formula is:

F
P = X 100
R

Where:

F – total number of observations (respondent’s answer to the

questionnaires)

R – total number of respondents

P – percentage of the total number of observations and the total

number of the respondents.

To find the average, the ratings were multiplied into its

corresponding scale (of 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1), then the results for each scale

were sum up and divided into the number of respondents.

Z1 W1 + Z2 W2 + Z3 W3 + Z4 W4 + Z5 W5
x=
R
Z – number of responses

W – weight given to each response answered by the

respondents

R – total number of respondents

x – the computed average

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CHAPTER IV

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

This chapter dealt with the presentation, analysis and interpretation

of data in response to the statement of the problem.

1. Profile of the Respondents

Table 1. Distribution of the Respondents According to Age

Age Frequency Percentage (%) Rank

Functional Age
60-69 18 64.29 1
70-79 7 25.00 2
80 and above 3 10.71 3
TOTAL 28 100
Perceived Age
18-24 6 21.43 2
25-31 3 10.71 5.5
32-38 3 10.71 5.5
39-45 4 14.29 3.5
46-52 4 14.29 3.5
53-59 8 28.57 1
TOTAL 28 100
Cognitive Age
20’s 4 14.29 3.5
30’s 4 14.29 3.5
40’s 9 32.14 1
50’s 6 21.43 2
60’s 3 10.71 5
70’s 2 7.14 6
TOTAL 28 100

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1.1 Age. Table 1 shows the distribution of respondents according

to age which is classified into three types: functional (biological age),

perceived (subjective age, age one feels rather than what actual age is)

and cognitive (age group that one believes he/she belongs to in terms of

mental cognition such as feelings, looks, do and showed interest).

Sixty four and twenty nine percent or 18 of the total number of

respondents belong to the range of 60-69 years, while 25 percent or seven

of them belong to the range of 70-79 years and about 10.71 percent or

three of the total number of respondents belong to the 80 and above year

range of functional age classification.

In the perceived age range, 28.57 percent or eight of the total

number of respondents considered themselves to be in the 53-59 year

range, while 21.43 percent or six considered themselves to be in the 18-24

year range. There was a similarity of figure between the ranges 39-45 and

46-52 years as 14.29 percent or four of the total number of respondents

considered their selves to belong in these year ranges. A similar figure of

10.71 percent or three occurred in the ranges 25-31 and 32-38 years

respectively.

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In the cognitive age range, majority of the respondents classified

their age as belonging to the 40’s with the percentage of 32.14, followed by

those belonging to the 50’s with 21.43 percent. A similar figure of 14.29

percent or four classified their age to be around 20’s and 30’s, while 10.71

percent or three answered that they belong to the age of 60’s. The least of

them belong to the age of 70’s with 7.14 percent as per their classification.

According to Biggs et. al. (2006), age is also in the mind.

Considering the figures recorded under perceived age and cognitive age,

the perceptions of aging and old age are dependent on an individual’s

outlook. For others, belonging to an age group of 30’s may seem quite old,

while some people would still consider this age bracket as belonging to the

younger population. This kind of selection and preference among various

age ranges is seen in the recorded figures in Table 1.

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Table 2. Distribution of the Respondents According to Sex

Sex Frequency Percentage (%) Rank

Female 16 57.14 1
Male 12 42.86 2
TOTAL 28 100

1.2 Sex. Table 2 shows that there were more female respondents

with a percentage of 57.14 or 16 of the total number of respondents than

that of male respondents having a relatively closer figure of 42.86 percent

or 12 of the total number of respondents. These figures expressed a higher

participation of elderly women using social media compared to elderly

men.

Table 3. Distribution of the Respondents According to Civil Status

Civil Status Frequency Percentage (%) Rank

Single 2 7.14 3.5
Married 14 50.00 1
Separated 2 7.14 3.5
Widowed 10 35.71 2
TOTAL 28 100

1.3 Civil Status. Table 3 shows that 50 percent or 14 of the

respondents were married while 10 or 35.71 percent were

widows/widower. A similar figure occurred in both single and separated

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status with a frequency of two or 7.14 percent respectively. This shows

that married respondents were the majority of social media users among

the total number of respondents.

Table 4. Distribution of the Respondents According to Educational

Attainment

Educational Attainment Frequency Percentage (%) Rank

Elementary Undergraduate 1 3.57 7
Elementary Graduate 2 7.14 4.5
High School Undergraduate 2 7.14 4.5
High School Graduate 6 21.43 2
Vocational Graduate 1 3.57 7
College Undergraduate 5 17.86 3
College Graduate 10 35.71 1
Master’s Degree 1 3.57 7
TOTAL 28 100

1.4 Educational Attainment. Table 4 shows that 35.71 percent or

10 of the total number of respondents were college graduates and 21.43

percent or six were high school graduates. It was followed by the college

undergraduates with the frequency of five or 17.86 percent. A similar figure

was recorded under the elementary graduates and high school

undergraduates with a 7.14 percentage of two of the total number of

respondents. Another similar figure was recorded in the three levels:

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elementary undergraduate, vocational and master’s degree/post graduate

having a frequency of one or 3.57 percent.

Table 5. Distribution of the Respondents According to Source of

Income

Source of Income Frequency Percentage (%) Rank

Owned Business/ Self- 15 53.57 1
employed
Government Employee 4 14.29 3
Employee in Private Company 2 7.14 4
Pension 7 25.00 2
TOTAL 28 100

1.5 Source of Income. Table 5 shows that majority of the

respondents were engaged in owned-type businesses or as self-employed

with a 53.57 percent or 15 of the total number of respondents, followed by

those who are pensioned 25 percent. Government employees rank third

among them with 14.29 or 4 of the total number of respondents, while the

least are employed in a private company with 7.14 percent.

According to Zastrow (2011), in our society, we still view a person’s

worth partly by his or her work. Prior to industrialization, older people were

the primary owners of property. Respondents who retired early supplement

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their pension by taking another job or making their own business who still

intellectually and physically capable of working.

2. Social Media Tools.

Table 6. Types of Social Media Tools Being Used by the Respondents

Types of Social Frequency Percentage (%) Rank

Media
Facebook 28 100.00 1
G-mail 8 28.57 7
Google Plus+ 10 35.71 4
Icloud 1 3.57 10.5
Instagram 5 17.86 8.5
Skype 12 42.86 2.5
Tango 1 3.57 10.5
Twitter 5 17.86 8.5
Viber 9 32.14 5.5
Yahoo-mail 12 42.86 2.5
Youtube 9 32.14 5.5

Table 6 presents the types of social media being used by the

respondents. All of the respondents were using Facebook with a frequency

of 28 or 100 percent, ranking first among others. A frequency of 12 or

42.86 percent of the total number of respondents use the Yahoo Mail and

Skype respectively, while 10 or 35.71 percent used Google Plus+. Users of

YouTube and Viber had a frequency of nine with a percentage of 32.14,

while Gmail ranked seventh with a frequency of eight or 28.57 percent

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users in the total number of respondents. Twitter and Instagram had a

frequency of five or 17.86 percent, while Tango and iCloud have only one

user.

3. Level of Experience in terms of Competency and Frequency in

the Use of Social Media.

Table 7. Level of Experience of Respondents in Terms of Competency

in the Use of Social Media

Competency
Social Media Weighted Verbal Rank
Mean Interpretation
Facebook 3.50 G 1
Google Plus+ 1.21 VP 4
Skype 1.54 P 2
Viber 1.11 VP 5.5
Yahoo-mail 1.43 VP 3
Youtube 1.11 VP 5.5
Average Weighted Mean 1.65 P

3.1 Competency. Table 7 shows with a verbal interpretation of

“good”, Facebook ranked first among others, with an overall rating of 3.50,

while the users of Skype has “poor” competency, with an overall rating of

1.54 expressed as weighted mean. Yahoo-mail, Google Plus+ and

YouTube had a “very poor” competency response from the users.

Unfamiliar and complex social media tools may have contributed to the

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users’ preference of use, thus affecting their competency in using such

applications.

Table 8. Level of Experience of Respondents in Terms of Frequency

in the Use of Social Media

Frequency
Social Media Weighted Verbal Rank
Mean Interpretation
Facebook 3.57 O 1
Google Plus+ 1.04 N 6
Skype 1.57 S 2
Viber 1.11 N 5
Yahoo-mail 1.50 S 3
YouTube 1.14 N 4
Average Weighted Mean 1.66 S

3.2 Frequency. Table 8 shows a synonymous ranking with the

previous interpretation considering Facebook as the most frequent or

“often” used form of social media. This was followed by Skype and Yahoo-

mail which was used in a seldom or not so frequent basis. YouTube, Viber

and Google Plus+, although having a verbal interpretation of “never”, has

the least users compared to other forms. This indicates, in reference to the

previous table, that higher competency is a result of higher frequency of a

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particular social media application use, which can still vary depending on

the accessibility of an application and the preference of the user.

4. Extent of Empowerment and Social Integration in terms of

Personal Use of Social Media.

Table 9. Extent of Empowering and Socially Integrating the Elderly in

Terms of Personal Use

Ways of Empowering and Socially Weighted Verbal Rank

Integrating the Elderly in the Use of Mean Interpretation
Social Media
I. Using Social Media for Personal Use
A. Coupon and Other
Discounts/Business
a. Buying sale items 1.00 LE 7
b. Discount offerings by companies on
1.04 LE 5.5
their social media pages
c. Purchase products from online selling 1.04 LE 5.5
d. Helps develop professional network 1.79 LME 2
e. Helps find accounts that relate in
1.54 LME 3
business
f. Find new fans and followers of your
1.18 LE 4
business
g. Share news and updates about
1.96 LME 1
business quickly
Average Weighted Mean 1.36 LE
B. Personal Interest
a. Interested in learning more books 1.68 LME 4
b. Share exciting news about your life
3.21 ME 1
through statuses
c. Chance to find like-minded people
2.71 ME 3
through hashtags
d. Give you news and updates that fit
2.93 ME 2
with your interests
Average Weighted Mean 2.63 ME
Composite Mean 2.00 LME

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Table 9 shows the extent of empowerment and social integration of

the elderly using different possible benefits as an indicator. For acquiring

discounts, coupons and other business-related use, sharing news and

updates about occupation ranked first among others, having a weighted

mean of 1.96 which was classified as to a limited extent of empowerment.

For aid or help in the development in professional network, there is also a

limited extent, with a weighted mean of 1.79, ranking second among other

benefits. This was followed by the help in finding accounts that relate in

business or occupation which ranked third among others, with a weighted

mean of 1.54. The first three ranks show, as per the total number of

respondents, that a limited extent of empowerment is recorded in these

indicators. Whereas, the succeeding ranks show a least extent

(comparatively lower than limited) of empowerment with their weighted

mean/s expressed from 1.00 to 1.18 respectively. These indicators include

finding new fans and followers of business or occupation, purchasing

products online, availing of discount offers by certain companies via social

media, and buying sale items.

On the personal interests of the respondents, sharing exciting news

about their life ranked first among the given indicators, with a weighted

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mean of 3.21. Being updated with news and updates that fit ones interests

ranked second with a weighted mean of 2.93. This is followed by the

chance of finding like-minded people through hash tags, third in rank with a

weighted mean of 2.71. The first three ranks show, as per the total number

of respondents, that a moderate extent of empowerment was recorded in

these indicators. Lastly, the interest in learning more books ranked fourth

among others, with a weighted mean of 1.68, showing a limited extent of

empowerment in the given indicator.

In relation to it, as stated in the study of Bautista et al. (2004), that

social media is significant to empower the elderly through quick flow of

information and news in the social media so they become updated and

bridges the gap as it allows participation from all ages. In his study, the

factors that enabled the elderly to use social media were education,

economics status and their enabling environment (i.e., ownership and

availability of gadgets, and social support).

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Table 10. Extent of Empowering and Socially Integrating the Elderly in

Terms of Social Interaction

Ways of Empowering and Socially Weighted Verbal Rank

Integrating the Elderly in the Use of Mean Interpretation
Social Media
II. Using Social Media for Social
Interaction
A. Social Media Can Keep Families
Close
a. Keep in touch with relatives from far
4.14 HE 1
places
b. Video-chatting with faraway grandkids 3.61 HE 3
c. Keep track of the lives of people who
3.86 HE 2
are important
Average Weighted Mean 3.87 HE
B. Photo and Video Sharing/
Community Belonging and Social
Interaction
a. Sharing of memories 3.54 HE 4
b. Feel more a part of events you may
3.43 ME 5
not be able to attend
c. Friends can exchange private
3.57 HE 2.5
messages
d. Meet friends and find old ones 3.57 HE 2.5
e. Strengthen relationships already have 3.93 HE 1
f. Kept in touch with people met while
3.00 ME 8
travelling
g. Help you discover people who are
talking about the same or certain 3.39 ME 6
topic
h. Opportunity to network and get to
3.32 ME 7
know people
i. Great way to meet people in a casual
2.82 ME 9
environment
Average Weighted Mean 3.40 ME
Composite Mean 3.64 HE

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Table 10 shows the extent of empowerment in terms of social

interaction where keeping in touch with relatives from far places ranked

first among others under social media can keep families close, with a

weighted mean of 4.14. Keeping track of the lives of their significant others

ranked second with a weighted mean of 3.86. Video-chatting with faraway

grandkids ranked third having a weighted mean of 3.61. These indicators

under category A express a high extent of empowerment in relation with

the respondents’ social interaction.

In Category B, strengthening existing relationships ranked first

having a weighted mean of 3.93 which is followed by exchanging private

messages and meeting new friends/finding old ones having both figures of

3.57. Sharing memories ranked fourth having a weighted mean of 3.54.

The first four ranks show a high extent of empowerment in the given

indicators. Feels more a part of an event one cannot be able to attend

ranked fifth having a weighted mean of 3.43. Helping one discovered

people who are talking about the same topic ranked sixth with a weighted

mean of 3.39. Opportunity in networking and getting to know people, along

with keeping in touch with people met while travelling and meeting people

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in casual environment show a moderate extent of empowerment with a

weighted mean ranging from 2.82 to 3.32.

Cuyos (2013) stated that it is inherent in social media to share

information, collaborate with others and create communities online. Social

media tools include social networking, photosharing, videosharing, digital

gaming and open-sourced software. To be human is to be social. One

cannot help but socialize, and the latest web-based technological

advances accentuate the fact that all are part of a web relationship online.

The term social media broadly refers to online media that is designed to be

used through social interaction. It is the social interaction component that

makes social media social. It is senseless to have social networking

account without friendling others or sharing user-generated content with

them.

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Table 11. Extent of Empowering and Socially Integrating the Elderly in

terms of Emotional Development

Ways of Empowering and Socially Weighted Verbal Rank

Integrating the Elderly in the Use of Mean Interpretation
Social Media
III. Using Social Media for Emotional
Development
Improved Feelings of Wellbeing
a. Decrease in depressive symptoms 3.71 HE 6
b. Develop confidence in expressing
4.00 HE 3
your own ideas
c. Create peace of mind 3.64 HE 7
d. Feels relax 3.93 HE 5
e. Feel at ease 3.96 HE 4
f. Feel valued and special 4.14 HE 1
g. Feel the sense of self-worth 4.07 HE 2
Average Weighted Mean 3.92 HE

Table 11 shows the extent of empowering the elderly in terms of

emotional development. Among the indicators given was feeling valued

and special which ranked first under the improved feelings of well-being

having an average of 4.14 expressing a high extent of emotional

development. Following this was that of having a sense of self-worth

having an average of 4.07. Developing confidence through the expression

of one’s own ideas ranked third having an average of 4.00. Feelings of

being relaxed ranked fifth having an average of 3.93. Decreased

depressive symptoms ranked seventh having an average of 3.71. Creating

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peace of mind ranked the lowest among others with an average of 3.64.

Overall, the indicators show a high extent of empowerment in terms of the

emotional development of the respondents.

According to Leist (2013), the main motivations for older adults to

use social media are enjoyment, engaging in social contact, and to provide

and receive social support. Especially if users engage in online social

networking, they are motivated by feelings of enjoyment during use.

Enjoyment can be enhanced by integrating games and other distractions,

but should be regarded mainly as the result of an (online) activity that

complies with needs and interests of the person. Through online

communities, people can get together and engage in social contact that

help older adults overcome loneliness at night-time and receive up-to-date

information on family members and acquaintances. Social media help

them provide and receive social support.

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5. Proposed Action Plan in relation to the Empowerment and

Social Integration of the Elderly by Means of Social Media Tools

PROPOSED ACTION PLAN

General Objective:

 At the end of the five (5) prescribed sessions, the participating group

of elderly will be able to gain basic skills and knowledge of the ICT,

get additional practical exposure to various social media applications

and become more familiar with websites relevant to their needs.

TIME SPECIFIC EXPECTED

ACTIVITY CONTENT METHODOLOGY
FRAME OBJECTIVES OUTCOME

The
To orient the participants
participants ABC’s on were
about the Information P l e n u m-t y p e oriented
Lecture &
1-2hrs. basics on Computer discussion and about the
Seminar
Information Technology Forum basics on
Computer (ICT) Information
Technology. Computer
Technology.

Hands on
To provide
Visual exercises &
exposure and
Analytics for exposure
hands on
Hands-on Social Media for basic
1hr. exercises for Demonstrative
Tutorial & How to social
basic social
Purchase media
media
online processes
processes.
were
provided.

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To guide the The

participants in Signing up participants
creating their and filling of Hands-on & were able to
1-2hrs.
personal social basic online Demonstrative create an
media information account of
accounts. their own.

Note: If some of the participants have existing personal accounts, they can serve as
catalysts to help the facilitators in demonstrating and presenting procedures of creating an
account.

The
To enable the participants
participants to were able to
-small
share their Open forum Brainstorming & share their
group
experiences and experiences
1hr. sharing Discussion
and concerns suggestions and
-big group
regarding the (Monitoring) concerns
sharing
previous regarding the
sessions. previous
sessions.

To find/cite
potential Referral
linkages for letters, Linkages & Linkages for
the creation of resolutions Network the program
application/s and budget were cited.
best suited for Allocation.
the elderly.

Target date of Implementation: Starting January 2017

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CHAPTER V

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

This chapter dealt with the summary based on the data analysis, the

conclusion and recommendations which are necessary in the findings and

conclusion.

Summary

The main thrust of the study was to determine the use of social

media as source of empowerment and social integration of the elderly,

thereby proposing a course of action that may be given to them. The

researchers used the descriptive method of research which was distributed

to the 28 elderly respondents who were actively involved in the agency,

and at the same time, are active users of social media applications. This

study was aimed to foster awareness and determine various means of how

to empower and socially integrate the elderly as expressed in the given

indicators presented in the survey questionnaires which the results were

tallied, computed and interpreted.

Specifically, this study sought to answer the following questions;

1. What is the demographic profile of the respondents according

to:

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1.1 age;

1.1.1 functional age

1.1.2 perceived age

1.1.3 cognitive age

1.2 sex;

1.3 civil status;

1.4 highest educational attainment; and

1.5 source of income

2. What types of social media tools are being used by the

respondents?

3. What is the level of experience of the respondents to social

media in terms of:

3.3 competency; and

3.4 frequency

4. What is the extent of empowerment and social integration of

the respondents in the use of social media?

5. What course of action may be proposed in relation to the

empowerment and social integration of the elderly by means of social

media tools?

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FINDINGS

1. Profile of the Respondents

1.1 age

1.1.1 functional age

Most of the respondents belong to the 60-69 years, while 7 of them

belong to the range of 70-79 years and 3 of them belong to the 80 and

above year range of functional age.

1.1.2 perceived age

Eight of the total number of respondents considered themselves to

be in the 53-59 age range, while 6 of the respondents considered

themselves to be in the 18-24 age range. There is a similarity between the

ranges 39-45 and 46-52 in which 4 of the respondents considered

themselves to belong in these age ranges. And a similarity between the

ranges 25-31 and 32-38 in which 3 of the total of the respondents

considered themselves to belong in these age ranges.

1.1.3 cognitive age

The respondents classified their age as belonging to the 40’s,

followed by the 50’s. There is a similarity between the age around 20’s and

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30’s, while the 3 of them answered that they belong to the age of 60’s. The

least of them belong to the age of 70’s as per their classification.

1.2 sex

There were more female respondents than male respondents,

showing that women are more inclined to interact via social media.

1.3 civil status

Most of the respondents were married, while 10 of the total

respondents were widows/widower. There is a similarity of figure between

the single and separated status in which 2 of the total respondents

considered themselves to belong in these status.

1.4 highest educational attainment

Most of the respondents were college graduates and 6 were high

school graduates. 5 of the total number of respondents were college

undergraduates. There is a similarity of figure under the elementary

graduates and high school undergraduates with a 2 of the total population

sample considered themselves to belong in these levels. Another similarity

of figure is recorded in the three levels: elementary undergraduate,

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vocational and master’s degree/post graduate having 1 of the total

respondents.

1.5 source of income

Most of the respondents were engaged in owned-type

businesses/self-employed, ranking first among them, followed by those

who are pensioned. The Government employees rank third, and least of

them are employed in a private company.

2. Types of social media tools used by the respondents:

All of the respondents are using Facebook, followed by 12

respondents use Yahoo Mail and Skype, while 10 of the respondents are

using Google Plus+. 9 of the respondents are users of YouTube and Viber,

while 8 respondents are using Gmail. Twitter and Instagram has 5 users,

while Tango and iCloud have only one user.

3. Level of experience of the respondents to social media in terms of:

3.1 competency

Among other social media tools, Facebook ranked 1st with the

highest competency rate. This was followed by Skype whose users have

poor competency. Yahoo-mail, Google Plus+ and YouTube has a “very

poor” competency response from the users.

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3.2 frequency

The respondents’ level of experience in terms of frequency shows a

synonymous figure having Facebook, Yahoo Mail and YouTube as the

most often used social media applications. This indicates that higher

frequency leads to higher competency.

4. Extent of empowerment and social integration of the elderly

through the use of social media:

In terms of transacting business under personal use, sharing news

updates and upgrades has the total majority ratings. Under personal

interest the sharing of status updates for exciting news has the total

majority ratings. In terms of social interaction, keeping families close by

staying in touch with families far from places has the total majority ratings.

Photo-sharing and community belonging focused on strengthening

relationship already have; while in terms of emotional development, feeling

valued and special and the feelings of sense of worth were the most

common choice.

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Conclusions

Based on the findings, the following conclusions were formulated:

1. Older persons whose age range belongs to the (60-69) young-old

classification comprise the majority of the respondents. This indicates that

those belonging to a younger age classification have a tendency to use

social media more often. It also shows an increased interest among older

persons whose age are much younger than the rest. Those belonging to a

younger age (60-69) has a greater frequency of using social media

application as they are more acquainted with such medium and are more

physically able to deal with regular exposure to gadgets such as tablet,

android mobiles and computers. It is also worth noting that their age gap

between the millennials (younger generation) is lesser than that of those

belonging to ages 70 and above, thus, making them to adapt and

associate easier with younger people and with the emerging trends of

technology. The use of the differences in age classification is taken into

consideration for a better understanding of the respondents’ perception

and awareness regarding what they feel and how they see themselves. It

is also in reference with Biggs et. al. (2006) which stated that “age is in the

mind.” In the perceived age column, majority of the respondents classified

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themselves as belonging to the 53-59 age range which portrays a realistic

perception among the respondents. However, it was also noteworthy that

the 18-24 age range has the second rank where six of the total

respondents identified themselves as belonging to this age bracket. These

figures suggest the overall perception of the respondents as realistic –

considering the majority of their responses to be on a higher age range,

and optimistic – seeing themselves to be on a younger age range which

means that they are able to feel what young people feel and socialize in a

manner that most people do nowadays – surfing the net and using social

media applications. In the cognitive age column, majority of the

respondents classified themselves as belonging to the 40’s age bracket. It

can be inferred that the constancy of data recorded into the given age

range yield another positive result in relation to their mental and cognitive

abilities. It is also obvious that while majority of the respondents classified

themselves as belonging to the cognitive age of 40s, those who answered

having a cognitive age of 20s and 30s indicate a connection between using

social media to being able to think ‘young’ and to consider their cognitive

strength in parallel with younger generation.

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2. In the distribution of respondents according to sex, there were more

female respondents than that of male respondents. Hence, women are

more predisposed and inclined to use social media applications than men.

This proves that women are not passive when it comes to voicing out and

sharing their expressions and insights with other netizens, and that, social

media can be an avenue where people, regardless of sex, gender, or age

can be heard, involved, empowered and socially integrated.

3. Taken from the findings, the active users of social media appear to

be more prominent among married respondents than in any of given civil

status categories. This can be for the reason of maintaining close bonds

and strengthening ties between relatives and kinsfolk who are distant –

those who are residing or working far from their common reach. For those

who were widowed and/or separated, the inclination to use social media

can be driven by the need to re-socialize and ultimately make up for the

gaps between previous relationships, and eventually make new ones,

especially for those who were single.

4. The active users of social media and the internet in general were

college graduates being the majority among the respondents. It can be

said that educational attainment plays a vital factor in being able to get

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involved and create networks of so called ‘friends’ and acquaintances with

whom the user have had interactions with in his/her previous academic

years, and with those whom the user can exchange and share ideas at

present. The researchers take for truth that educational attainment is an

indicator of a person’s social and intellectual status in society – a gauge as

to measure whether or not a person can make decisions for

himself/herself, whether or not a person can engage in meaningful

discussions – making a stand on vital issues and being capable of

adapting to emerging trends – all of these can be a tangible manifestation

of person’s reservoir of knowledge and skills, attitudes and habits obtained

through academic formation.

5. Most of them were self-employed and business owners. Others rely

solely on their monthly pension, while the least of them were either

employed privately or in a government agency. Using social media for

these occupations is particularly most relevant among business owners

and the self-employed. Since social media is commonly people and event

centered, advertising is one of the popular activities and content of news

feeds and updates. The mere pictures of places, people, food, cosmetics

and other similar products provoke the intent of advertising hence;

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business owners and self-employed workers compose the majority of

social media and internet users.

6. Facebook, Skype and YouTube were the most frequently used

applications as per the data gathered. These three prominent applications

also obtained a higher competency rate among others. Since the

respondents were inclined to use these three applications on a regular

basis, the competency rate can be correlated with the frequency rate – the

more users and the more frequent an application is used, a higher rate of

mastery and competency is acquired.

7. In measuring the extent of empowerment and social integration in

terms of personal use, sharing news and updates about the business or

occupation has the highest rating. A consistent response is presented as

the previous tables suggest that business owners and self-employed

workers compose the majority of respondents. It is interesting that sharing

updates and news about business come in many forms and means, such

as photo and video sharing which is rare among elderly, and status

updates and notes update which is common. Given these various forms

and means to advertise, creativity is an essential to sustain and prolong

the habit of constantly sharing the upgrades and changes in their business

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or occupation. The development of professional network, which has the

second majority rating follows the advertising trend while buying sale items

online has the least ratings which are obvious because older persons are

already not into buying and shopping, most specifically online. In terms of

personal interest, sharing exciting news about one’s life has garnered the

highest ratings, followed by reading news or updates that fit one’s interest.

Interaction among finding like-minded people through hashtags ranked

third while interest in learning books online has the least ratings. The

concept of empowerment is made much tangible by these indicators and in

contrast to popular definitions of empowerment which states that it is an

act of giving power to an individual, the social work perspective on

empowerment is not focused on ‘giving’ power but towards ‘enabling’ –

harnessing the inherent power all people have inside them. It is seen when

an individual or a group gain control of their circumstances and achieve

their own goals – being able to foster independence from outside help and

awareness of their strengths and capabilities which are exercised by older

persons actively engaged in social media. Being empowered, however, is

not being all powerful and all-knowing. Hence, the concept of social

integration or the ‘we-belong’ feeling coexists with empowerment –

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keeping in touch with relatives from far places, community belonging,

strengthening existing relationships, exchanging private messages and

meeting new friends and old ones. The feeling of being valued and special,

the feeling of sense of worth, and developing self-confidence in expressing

one’s ideas all point out to the motivating factors why older persons use

social media as stated by Leist (2013), namely enjoyment, engaging in

social contact, and to provide and receive social support.

Recommendations

Based on the findings and conclusions drawn from the study, the

following recommendations are offered:

1. Basic orientation on Information Computer Technology and social

media applications.

2. Additional exposure to other various social media applications

through literacy seminars and workshops to be conducted by the

Office of the Senior Citizens’ Affair.

3. The promotion of websites which are more accessible and relevant

to the needs of older persons.

4. Regular weekly/monthly meeting and monitoring of senior citizens

involved in workshops/seminars and similar services.

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1. Creation of more user-friendly applications fit for all ages, with

special emphasis on the elderly.

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