“UNMET NEEDS AND COPING MECHANISMS AMONG COMMUNITY-DWELLING

SENIOR CITIZENS IN THE PHILIPPINES: A QUALITATIVE STUDY”

By: Rogie Royce Carandang, Edward Asis, Akira Shibanuma, Junko Kiriya, Hiroshi Murayama
and Masamine Jimba

The Philippines' older adult population has many unmet needs, from possibilities for
active aging and financial stability to healthcare and social assistance. Accessing inexpensive and
adequate treatment is a common difficulty for older persons in the healthcare system. Unmet
health demands in the Philippines can be caused by a lack of funding and a poor infrastructure
for providing treatment. Seniors may find it difficult to pay for specific treatments for age-related
illnesses like diabetes or hypertension, frequent checkups, or essential medicines. For example,
we have a neighbor who's a 71 years-old widow living with her kids. She struggles to afford her
arthritis medications, often skipping doses to stretch her limited budget. The nearest healthcare
facility doesn’t cater to everyone who’s in need, that's why it’s so hard for her to buy medication.
And In Financial security, many older adults in the Philippines may not have sufficient financial
resources for a comfortable retirement. Sometimes, they may only have a small pension, which
makes it difficult for them to pay for necessities and unforeseen medical needs. In our
community there’s a senior citizen who’s a 68-year-old retiree, finds it challenging to secure part-
time employment due to age-related biases. His monthly pension barely covers his basic needs,
let alone unexpected medical expenses. In terms of social support, loneliness and social isolation
are common among older persons, especially those who reside in rural locations. Inadequate
social support may be the cause of mental health problems. For instance, I've noticed that some
older individuals in our town live alone, and because they don't have as many social connections
or companions, some of them suffer from despair or loneliness. The capacity to work into
retirement age might be vital for financial security when it comes to job options here in the
Philippines, but age discrimination and a lack of opportunities for older workers can make this
difficult. It may be difficult for older persons to acquire or keep a job, which leaves them
vulnerable financially. Furthermore, incidents of elder abuse—whether they be financial,
emotional, or physical—continue to be an issue. Many elderly individuals in the Philippines have
been the victims of maltreatment. Elderly people may suffer in silence if there is a lack of
knowledge and support networks. Unreported instances might arise from this. Furthermore, older
persons may find it difficult to comprehend and defend their legal rights in the Philippines due to
the lack of safeguards and rights. They could have trouble understanding the legal procedures
involved with healthcare decisions, property rights, and inheritance.

In these situations, negativity and helplessness are made worse by the unmet demands of
older adults in the Philippines. Their access to community resources, programs, and activities
that may support their mental health is limited. It is imperative that the government take action to
solve these challenges. The well-being of older individuals in the Philippines may be greatly
impacted by the implementation of policies that enhance healthcare accessible, encourage social
inclusion, and fight age discrimination. By putting together outreach initiatives, creating support
networks, and increasing public awareness of the difficulties encountered by elders, local
communities may also play an important part. In conclusion, a comprehensive strategy
incorporating public awareness, community activities, and government legislation is needed to
meet the unmet needs of older persons in the Philippines. By giving healthcare, social assistance,
financial stability, and other important sectors top priority, we can help the nation's senior people
live better lives.

Creating a thorough program for senior health and wellbeing is what I advise. The
national policy framework comes first. Creating a national policy framework that addresses
geriatric health, including medical treatment, mental health, and general well-being, is the first
step. Involve advocacy organizations, geriatric specialists, and healthcare professionals in the
policy-making process as the second phase. The LGU partnership comes in second. In order to
modify the national framework for local settings, the first step is to enable cooperation between
the national health department and local government units. The second action is to promote the
formation of neighborhood health committees made up of. Needs analysis and database
construction come in third. The first stage is to determine the health-related needs of older
persons by conducting a national needs assessment survey. In order to store and analyze health
information while maintaining data security and privacy, the second stage is to establish a
centralized health database. Geriatric health clinics rank fourth. The first step in providing senior
residents with accessible healthcare services is to open specialist geriatric health clinics in both
urban and rural locations. The next stage is to provide these clinics with premises, medical
equipment, and qualified geriatric specialists. Programs for preventative healthcare come in fifth.
Implementing community-based preventative healthcare initiatives, such as health education
classes and routine examinations, is the first step. The second is to work with neighborhood
community centers and schools to promote healthy aging behaviors. Telemedicine services come
in sixth. Integrating telemedicine services is the first step in enabling older people, particularly
those living in distant places, to access healthcare remotely and for consultations. The second is
to teach medical staff how to use telehealth platforms efficiently. All-inclusive health insurance is
the seventh. The first step is to update health insurance plans to provide complete coverage for
geriatric care, which should include mental health assistance, chronic illness management, and
preventative programs. The eighth is home-based care assistance. Establishing a network of
qualified community health professionals to offer elderly patients home-based care, with an
emphasis on those who have mobility or transportation issues, is the first stage. Lastly, services
related to mental health. The initial phase involves incorporating mental health services within
the geriatric health program to attend to the psychological welfare of senior citizens. The second
stage is to create support groups for social and emotional support and train medical professionals
in geriatric mental health treatment. Additionally, for non-governmental groups. NGOs should
work with senior communities to undertake extensive needs assessments in order to identify
particular difficulties and gaps in services for older residents. This is the first step in the process.
The second is to foster social ties by creating programs—like community events, organizations,
or online get-togethers—that encourage social engagement among seniors while addressing
feelings of isolation and loneliness. The third step is to offer easily available healthcare services
and develop programs to improve elders' access to it. Some of these programs include mobile
clinics, help with transportation, and collaborations with medical professionals for routine
checkups. In order to provide elders with the information they need to live independently, the
fourth step is to create educational programs and create workshops and seminars on pertinent
subjects including health management, financial literacy, and technology usage. The fifth step is
to assist and acknowledge the role of caregivers by providing training opportunities, respite
services, and support programs to help them overcome the difficulties of taking care of elderly
family members. The sixth is to have accessible and inexpensive housing alternatives that are
suited to elderly adults' requirements and that promote independence and safety. Additionally,
one should push for and help establish these possibilities. The seventh step is to support
programs that enable seniors to participate in ongoing education, skill development, and
mentorship, which will help them build a sense of purpose and personal development. The eighth
tip is to work together with nearby companies to provide age-friendly surroundings. This
involves making sure that services, public areas, and retail establishments are senior-friendly and
easily accessible. The ninth step is to provide seminars and training sessions as well as
technological training programs to assist seniors in utilizing technology and adapting to it. This
will allow them to stay connected, access information, and participate in online communities.
Lastly, proponents of policy reforms strive to sway laws to better serve the special requirements
of the elderly, particularly those pertaining to healthcare, social services, and age-friendly urban
design. As well as for the private citizens. The first step is to promote community ties by
encouraging neighbors to reach out to elderly adults in their communities and provide assistance
and companionship in an effort to reduce social isolation. The second suggestion is to volunteer
for local programs. This means that people may offer companionship and practical help by
volunteering for elder-focused groups like senior centers or Meals on Wheels. The third strategy
is to build seniors' digital literacy and keep them engaged with the contemporary world by
encouraging others to share their abilities, such as technological know-how, with them. Provide
transportation aid to seniors who might have trouble traveling to doctor's appointments, grocery
shops, or community events. This brings us to our fourth point: transportation assistance. The
creation of local support networks, where people may work together to address the many needs
of senior citizens, from grocery shopping to small domestic chores, is the fifth step in creating a
support network. Sensitizing companies is the sixth strategy, which aims to persuade people to
support age-inclusive policies and services and push businesses to become more senior-friendly.
The seventh is that financial aid motivates private citizens to help elders manage their finances,
create budgets, and find resources to lessen their financial obligations. The eighth service is
home maintenance support, which provides help with household chores or puts elderly people in
touch with trustworthy providers to make sure their home environment is secure and
comfortable. The ninth is to encourage healthy living, which entails motivating people to take
part in activities that enhance the health and wellbeing of elderly citizens, such setting up fitness
or wellness centers in their neighborhood. Finally, spread the word about elder abuse, educate
others about it, and urge people to be watchful, reporting any suspicions and offering assistance
to elderly people who might be in need.

Senior citizens' unmet needs require our immediate attention and a thorough,
compassionate attitude. In order to ensure that seniors age with dignity, security, and a strong
quality of life, it is becoming more and more important to address the issues that they encounter
in numerous areas of their lives as the world's population ages. Social isolation is among the
most important problems that older people face. Lack of social engagement and loneliness can
have a negative impact on one's mental and emotional health. Communities have a responsibility
to create and carry out programs that provide senior citizens a feeling of connection and
belonging. Social gatherings, intergenerational activities, and community involvement initiatives
are effective strategies for preventing loneliness and fostering a caring atmosphere where elders
feel included and respected. Another significant challenge that elders face is the digital gap,
which makes it more difficult for them to access vital information and communication channels.
It will need focused measures to close this gap, such as senior-specific technological training
programs. We can equip seniors to traverse the digital terrain by enlisting the aid of volunteers or
tech-savvy members of the community. This will enable them with the means to keep in touch
with their loved ones, obtain information, and participate in the larger community. One major
issue that arises is transportation, particularly for elderly people who have restricted mobility. In
order to solve this, localities can set up volunteer-driven transportation programs that guarantee
elderly people can get to doctor's appointments, necessary services, and social events. Enhancing
mobility and independence for the elderly also requires campaigning for infrastructure upgrades
and senior-friendly public transit choices. The foundation of health, nutrition, frequently causes
seniors' concerns. Lack of access to wholesome, fresh food may have an effect on their
wellbeing. The implementation of volunteer-driven food delivery programs, community gardens,
and partnerships with local farmers' markets are examples of community-driven initiatives that
may make a substantial difference in ensuring seniors receive the nourishment they require to
thrive. Concerns about financial hardship are common among seniors, many of whom have fixed
incomes. Seniors who receive specialized financial literacy training are better equipped to
manage their finances, create budgets, and decide which resources to use. Seniors can receive
individualized advice and financial security in their later years by being connected to financial
advisors that specialize in senior finances. To age in place and maintain their independence,
seniors need to live in secure and comfortable surroundings. Programs such as home
maintenance assistance, offered by neighborhood volunteers or nearby services, can help with
repairs and accessibility adjustments. Senior-friendly living spaces are further ensured by
supporting age-friendly home designs in new construction and modifying existing buildings. One
essential component of elder well-being is access to healthcare. By introducing mobile clinics
and community health fairs, seniors may receive vital medical services straight from the source.
This can help with health education, preventive screenings, and the sharing of information about
options for healthcare. Seniors' general health and lifespan depend critically on healthcare
systems being sensitive to their special demands.
 In conclusion, individuals, communities, and legislators must work together to fulfill the
unmet needs of older individuals. We can create a society that respects and cares for its elderly by
emphasizing social interaction, technological integration, mobility options, nutrition, financial
literacy, house maintenance, and access to healthcare. By working together, we can provide a
setting where seniors not only age with grace but also actively contribute to our communities,
improving the quality of life for coming generations. Now is the moment to take action and pave
the way for a society that is more welcoming and able to assist our aging population.

Legaspi, Aubrey Gail P. November 22, 2023

BLOCK-A, CN71 NCM114: CARE OF OLDER PERSONS

“EVALUATION OF THE PHILIPPINE EXPANDED SENIOR CITIZENS ACT (RA 9994)

ON MANDATED PRIVILEGES FOR THE ELDERLY”
By: April Kyle A. Inabangan, Laurence L. Garcia and Ferdinand T. Abocejo

The Philippine Expanded Senior Citizen Act, officially known as Republic Act 9994,
serves as the cornerstone of laws designed to improve the quality of life for elderly adults in the
Philippines. This legislation, which was passed in response to the demands and worries of the
aging population, requires seniors to receive a number of advantages and privileges in order to
guarantee their involvement in society and general well-being. To ensure that the act is
implemented effectively and that its terms are followed, certain facilities, institutions, and
commercial organizations should be examined throughout the review process. Healthcare
facilities for the elderly are one important industry that has to be evaluated. Seniors' health and
wellbeing are greatly impacted by hospitals, clinics, and long-term care homes. To make sure that
these facilities are prepared to handle the special healthcare requirements of the senior
population, a thorough evaluation is necessary. It involves assessing the suitability of medical
facilities, the availability of geriatric specialists, and the use of procedures to manage age-related
health issues. Since RA 9994 places a strong emphasis on older persons' health-related rights,
assessing healthcare facilities is essential to determining if these rights are being fulfilled. Care
homes and assisted living establishments also need careful assessment. These facilities provide
seniors who might need help with everyday tasks with an alternate place to live. The standard of
care rendered, the facilities' security and usability, and the degree to which the rights and
privileges specified in RA 9994 are respected should all be the main topics of an evaluation.
Seniors in need of specialized care will receive it in an atmosphere that preserves their autonomy
and dignity if these institutions follow the legal requirements. In addition to healthcare,
companies serving the elderly population also need to be assessed. For example, pharmaceutical
industries are vital to the health and welfare of the elderly. A review ought to include the cost and
availability of prescription drugs for the elderly. Furthermore, companies that sell hearing aids,
mobility aids, and other assistive equipment should be closely examined to make sure that older
folks can easily access and afford these items. Assessing these organizations aids in determining
any obstacles that seniors have when trying to get necessary goods and services, which is
consistent with RA 9994's goal of advancing the general well-being of the aged. Senior housing
and retirement communities are yet another essential component of assessment. Seniors have the
right to live in an environment that meets their needs and concerns, as recognized by RA 9994.
As a result, an evaluation ought to concentrate on the housing facilities' flexibility and
accessibility as well as the provision of amenities that support an active and interesting lifestyle
for elderly citizens. Retirement community evaluations guarantee that these housing options
uphold the values of inclusion and dignity for elderly people. Senior persons, particularly those
with restricted mobility, rely heavily on transportation services. It is crucial to assess senior-
friendly private and public transportation options to ensure cost and accessibility. In order to
guarantee that senior people' 20% discount on land, air, and sea travel is fulfilled, RA 9994
emphasizes the need of assessing transportation providers. Evaluating these services supports
older residents' freedom and self-governance, which is consistent with the legislation's
overarching objectives.

The Philippine Expanded Senior Citizen Act (RA 9994) contains a number of important
declarations and clauses that provide the basis for assessing healthcare facilities, nursing homes,
pharmaceutical firms, retirement communities, and transportation services. Section 3 of RA
9994, namely the disclosure of policies, has a crucial sentence that emphasizes the necessity of
review. The legislative objective and guiding principles of RA 9994 are explained in Section 3,
which places special emphasis on the rights of older persons to a full and meaningful existence as
well as their crucial role in nation-building. It makes it clear that the State will implement a
comprehensive, integrated strategy for senior citizen health development. Ensuring people
complete access to health care that caters to their specific need, both preventative and curative, is
part of this. The provision included in Section 3 lays forth the parameters for assessing healthcare
facilities. Through an evaluation of these facilities, authorities can determine the degree to which
they comply with the complete and integrated approach required by law. The presence of
geriatric experts, the quality of medical facilities, and the use of age-related health protocols
should be the main areas of evaluation. This inspection guarantees that the healthcare services
provided to older adults are not only available but also tailored to meet their individual needs. In
addition, Section 4 of RA 9994 highlights the need of granting older persons perks and privileges
in order to improve their overall well-being. This wide authority supports the assessment of
retirement communities, pharmacies, nursing institutions, and transportation providers.
Evaluations of retirement communities and nursing homes are necessary to make sure that the
care provided, the facilities' accessibility, and its adaptability all contribute to the overall well-
being of elderly persons. In turn, pharmaceutical businesses must be assessed to ensure that older
citizens may obtain and purchase prescriptions, in accordance with the rights specified in RA
9994. Lastly, the accessibility and cost of transportation services need to be carefully considered,
especially in light of the senior citizen's 20% discount on land, air, and sea travel. The provisions
found in RA 9994's Sections 3 and 4 basically set the legal foundation for assessing suggested
establishments, organizations, and commercial ventures. The evaluation guarantees that the
legislative goal of offering elderly persons full healthcare, benefits, and privileges—as well as
enhancing their general well-being and bolstering their legal rights—is carried out.

Republic Act 9994, also known as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 in the
Philippines, seeks to enhance senior citizens' quality of life by giving them perks and privileges.
Like any law, there might be infractions, though, which would have a variety of effects on the
senior population. One prevalent infraction is when businesses neglect to provide the older
citizen's required 20% discount. Certain firms could decline to offer the discount or put in place
restrictions that make it difficult for senior citizens to take advantage of this offer. This goes
against the goal of RA 9994, which is to improve elderly folks' well-being by increasing
accessibility to products and services.A further infraction is the improper handling of senior
citizen identity cards. These cards might be fraudulently used by some persons, especially family
members, to obtain senior discounts. This not only defeats the intent of the law, but it also denies
eligible payments to senior persons, making their financial difficulties worse.

Another common infraction is transportation firms' failure to comply with the need to
offer older residents discounted fares. It is possible that public transit operators would not apply
the necessary fare reductions, or they will make it difficult for senior citizens to receive these
discounts. Seniors are burdened with extra costs as a result, which limits their mobility and
prevents them from accessing necessary services. Older persons are harmed by these
transgressions in a number of ways. First off, the refusal of the required discount in businesses
has a direct impact on their financial situation. Seniors frequently have financial hardships as a
result of retirement and medical costs; the discounts play a critical role in easing this financial
load so they may afford basic essentials and maintain a respectable standard of living. The
unlawful use of elderly persons' identification ruins the reputation of the system in addition to
harming the people who fall for these kinds of scams. This erodes seniors' confidence in the
advantages of RA 9994, which may discourage them from standing up for their rights and from
engaging in activities that might improve their quality of life. The problems older adults
experience are made worse by infractions related to transportation. The inability to use fare
reductions restricts their travel options, making it more difficult for them to get to social
gatherings, medical facilities, and other crucial services. The social isolation that might result
from this lack of mobility can have a negative impact on elderly' mental and emotional health. In
the Philippines, RA 9994 violations are frequent and extremely damaging to the elderly
population. The statutory goal of giving older folks better access to services and financial aid is
undermined by these infractions. For the benefit of the elderly population, addressing these
concerns calls for more public knowledge, stricter enforcement, and community involvement to
guarantee that the rights and benefits granted by the law are respected.

To reinforce the implementation of Republic Act 9994 (RA 9994), Often referred to as the
Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, a series of focused rules and tactics are essential to
guarantee efficient oversight. First, stronger enforcement procedures with harsher sanctions for
businesses and people breaking RA 9994 should be implemented. For recurrent infractions, take
into account penalties, interim closures, or license revocation. Increasing the severity of the
penalties will discourage noncompliance and promote it. The second is the establishment of a
specific task force or government agency tasked with keeping an eye on and implementing RA
9994. This specialized body would guarantee constant compliance, look into alleged infractions,
and carry out routine audits. This body need to have the power to suggest and apply sanctions as
needed. The third is digital integration, which enables effective monitoring by centralizing the
tracking of transactions involving senior citizen discounts. This facilitates the identification of
anomalies and non-compliance trends. To lower the possibility of mistakes, encourage companies
to implement point-of-sale systems that automatically apply discounts. The fourth is random spot
checks and inspections, which involve regularly visiting companies without warning to perform
spot checks and inspections in order to ensure compliance. By being proactive, firms will be
aware of the restrictions and will be discouraged from trying to go around them. A monitoring
system that is more responsive and dynamic also benefits from random inspections. The fifth
area is education and community involvement, where initiatives are created to inform businesses
and the general public about RA 9994. This might include outreach initiatives, seminars, and
workshops run by NGOs or government organizations. Providing the community with
information guarantees that it will actively participate in protecting older folks' rights. The sixth
is whistleblower protection, which entails putting policies in place to shield anyone who disclose
RA 9994 infractions.

Laws protecting whistleblowers might incentivize staff members or clients to report non-
compliant activities, resulting in a more open monitoring procedure. The seventh requirement is
that companies give frequent updates on how they are implementing discounts for elderly folks.
One way to do this would be to submit reports on a monthly or quarterly basis that show how
many transactions include seniors and what discounts were applied. During audits, this self-
reporting system may be cross-checked. The eighth step is fostering partnership between the non-
governmental groups and the commercial sector. Encourage companies to promote RA 9994
compliance as a component of their CSR campaigns. NGOs may support a more thorough
oversight system by helping to monitor and report infractions. The ninth is rewards for
exceptional compliance, which entails creating an incentive program for companies who
continuously follow RA 9994. Programs for recognition, prizes, or even tax breaks might
encourage businesses to go above and above in promoting older folks' well-being. The tenth is
continual training and capacity building, which entails putting in place continuing education
initiatives for employees and company owners to guarantee they are knowledgeable about the
requirements of RA 9994. Sustained compliance will be aided by regular updates on any
modifications to the legislation or its application processes. Lastly, a public assessment system
for institutions' compliance with RA 994 was implemented through publicly available
compliance ratings. This grading system, which is available online and is conspicuously shown
in places, may act as a reference for customers and an extra motivator for companies to uphold
strict compliance requirements.
 To sum up, the successful implementation and oversight of RA 9994 require a blend of
strong enforcement measures, technology integration, community involvement, and incentives
for compliance. The Philippines can establish an atmosphere that protects elderly persons' rights
and guarantees that the laws will effectively enhance their quality of life by tackling these issues
all at once.

Legaspi, Aubrey Gail P. November 22, 2023

BLOCK-A, CN71 NCM114: CARE OF OLDER PERSONS

“AVAILABILITY AND BURDEN OF FAMILY CAREGIVERS IN CARING FOR A

RECURRENT STROKE SURVIVOR IN THE COMMUNITY DURING A PANDEMIC”
By: Huemer O. Uy

Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic brought previously unheard-of difficulties, and in the
Philippines, the elderly population was especially vulnerable in a number of small communities.
In an effort to stop the virus's spread, the nation enforced lockdowns and social isolation, but
elderly people suffered from a variety of issues that had a serious negative influence on their
wellbeing. The digital gap was one of the biggest problems. As the usage of internet platforms
for business, education, and healthcare has increased, older people have had trouble utilizing new
technology. Many did not have access to laptops, cellphones, or stable internet connections,
which kept them cut off from online social interactions and necessary services. Because rural
regions had less established technology infrastructure, the digital divide was more noticeable
there. Older people thus had a difficult time adjusting to the new normal and lost out on
important knowledge and support networks. For elderly people, access to healthcare became a
critical concern during the epidemic. Many older citizens were reluctant to visit healthcare
institutions due to mobility limits and concerns about contracting the virus. Telemedicine
surfaced as a viable remedy; nevertheless, elderly people's low computer literacy presented a
challenge. Many elderly patients were deprived of appropriate medical care due to the need to
navigate complicated web systems for remote consultations. This circumstance highlighted the
necessity for outreach and support initiatives that are specifically designed to address the special
healthcare needs of the elderly. The inability of elderly people to achieve their fundamental
requirements was also impacted by their mobility limitations. Seniors in many towns rely on
community services or public transit to get their prescriptions and buy groceries. These support
networks broke down when lockdowns were implemented, leaving many elderly people trapped
without basic necessities. In addition, a number of senior citizens were dissuaded from going
outside out of concern that they might become infected with the virus, making them more
vulnerable to malnutrition and other issues. Seniors' mental health suffered as a result of social
isolation. For many seniors, the inability to see or receive visits from friends and family proved
emotionally upsetting in a society that places a high importance on tight family relationships.
Anxiety and despair were exacerbated by emotions of abandonment and loneliness. The senior
population was further isolated when community facilities, which frequently functioned as hubs
for social activity and assistance, were shuttered or curtailed. The challenges faced by senior
citizens were exacerbated by their lack of knowledge of the services that may be of assistance.
The difficulties elderly people encountered were made worse by a lack of knowledge about the
resources available for help. Due to communication gaps, community initiatives and government
support programs for the elderly sometimes failed to reach individuals in need. A large number of
senior citizens were not aware that financial assistance, food distribution programs, or specially
designed mental health services even existed, much alone the requirements for receiving them.
The COVID-19 outbreak in the Philippines revealed and exacerbated the vulnerabilities of senior
citizens living in rural communities. The elderly face a complex network of disadvantages caused
by the digital divide, restricted access to healthcare, difficulties fulfilling basic requirements,
social isolation, and ignorance about accessible support services. A comprehensive strategy is
needed to address these problems, one that includes community support networks, digital
inclusion initiatives, focused healthcare outreach, and efficient communication techniques to
guarantee that senior citizens get the support and care they need during these trying times.

My family faced many difficulties caring for our elderly relatives during the COVID-19
pandemic, which brought home the value of flexibility, open communication, and a shared
dedication to their welfare. The abrupt switch to remote services and communication posed a big
obstacle. Due to a lack of in-person connections, my grandma and her got isolated as they
became acclimated to technology. We started regular video conversations and instructed them on
how to use video conferencing tools in order to close this gap. We had to be persistent and patient
as we worked through some technological difficulties and reassured them that virtual connections
were a secure substitute for in-person meetings. This helped them not only overcome their
loneliness but also gained access to online social networks and healthcare services. Healthcare
access was still another major issue. Because they felt there was a chance they may be exposed,
my elderly relatives were reluctant to visit hospitals or clinics. We established telemedicine
solutions in collaboration with their healthcare doctors after realizing this. As go-betweens, our
family set up online appointments and made sure the prescriptions they needed were delivered
right to their home. Through this intervention, their health was given priority, and they were
given the ability to take control of their well-being from the comfort of their own homes. The
limitations on their movement made it difficult for our elderly family members to get necessities.
Understanding how critical it was to reduce their time spent in busy areas, we set up a system for
medicine and grocery delivery. Family members who lived close by alternated between doing
their grocery shopping to make sure they had plenty of the basics while also following safety
procedures. Our combined efforts made our elderly family feel less burdened and more secure
during these uncertain times. Our senior family members saw social isolation as a poignant
hardship, as they thrived on the warmth of family reunions and community contacts. We planned
virtual festivities and modest, socially isolated family get-togethers to solve this. These were the
times when they could be secure and still stay in touch with loved ones. We also encouraged
them to take part in virtual community events, which helped them feel engaged and like they
belonged even if they were far away.

As the pandemic started, we came to see how critical it was to establish a thorough support
system. We set up a center for family communication where we frequently provided updates on
health, government rules, and services that were accessible. This unified platform allowed us to
all have a better knowledge of how things were changing and gave us the ability to decide what
was best for our elderly family members' safety. Our intervention plan started to center on
emotional health. We made open communication a priority because we understood the negative
effects that ambiguity and isolation may have on mental health. Certain emotional obstacles were
lessened by frequent check-ins, talks about their worries, and encouragement to express their
emotions. We consulted experts as necessary to make sure their mental health requirements were
met. In essence, our family intervention during the COVID-19 pandemic was rooted in
adaptability, communication, and a united commitment to the well-being of our older members.
By embracing technology, organizing support systems for essentials, addressing healthcare
concerns, and prioritizing their emotional health, we were able to navigate the challenges posed
by the pandemic collectively. This experience underscored the importance of resilience and
solidarity in safeguarding the health and happiness of our older family members during
unprecedented times.

To safeguard older persons in the community during potential future COVID-19 surges, a
comprehensive set of policies and regulations should be implemented to address their unique
vulnerabilities. These measures aim to ensure their safety, well-being, and equitable access to
essential services. The following strategies encompass various aspects, from healthcare to social
support. First is, vaccination priority and accessibility which is to implement a robust vaccination
strategy that prioritizes older individuals for booster shots and ensures easy access to vaccination
centers and establish mobile vaccination units to reach seniors in remote or less accessible areas.
Second is, healthcare infrastructure reinforcement where to allocate resources to enhance
healthcare infrastructure, ensuring that hospitals and healthcare facilities are well-equipped to
handle a surge in cases and facilitate telemedicine services to allow older individuals to consult
healthcare professionals without exposing themselves to unnecessary risks. Third is, community
outreach and education where to conduct targeted awareness campaigns to educate older persons
about the importance of vaccinations, preventive measures, and recognizing COVID-19
symptoms and provide clear information about where to seek medical assistance and guidance
during a surge. Fourth is, social support networks which is to establish a network of volunteers to
assist older individuals with grocery shopping, medication pickups, and other essential tasks to
limit their exposure and encourage community organizations to organize regular check-ins on
elderly residents to address their mental health and social needs. Fifth is, flexible work
arrangements where to encourage employers to offer flexible work arrangements for employees
caring for older family members, allowing them to balance work responsibilities with caregiving
duties and promote awareness about the importance of supporting caregivers in the community.
Sixth is, accessible transportation services to ensure that public transportation remains accessible
and safe for older individuals, implementing measures to minimize transmission risks and
collaborate with community organizations to provide transportation options for seniors who may
face challenges using public transit. Seventh is, elderly-friendly facilities where to advocate for
businesses and public spaces to maintain elderly-friendly facilities, such as seating areas,
accessible restrooms, and hand sanitizing stations and collaborate with local businesses to create
designated shopping hours for older individuals, reducing potential exposure. Eighth is,
emergency preparedness and response where to develop and regularly update emergency
response plans that specifically address the needs of older individuals, including evacuation plans
and access to emergency shelters and conduct drills and simulations to ensure that both the
elderly and those assisting them are familiar with emergency procedures. And lastly, research and
data collection where to invest in research to understand the specific health and social challenges
faced by older individuals during pandemics, allowing for targeted interventions and establishing
a data collection system to monitor the impact of policies on older populations and adjust
strategies accordingly. By implementing these policies and regulations, communities can create a
supportive and resilient environment for older persons during potential COVID-19 surges,
fostering a sense of security and inclusivity.

To address the welfare of older persons in future pandemics through amendments to RA9994, a
comprehensive approach is essential. The proposed amendments should focus on healthcare,
social support, and economic well-being to ensure the elderly are adequately protected. Firstly,
amendments should strengthen the healthcare provisions for older individuals. This involves
enhancing access to medical services, including telemedicine, to cater to their specific needs.
Allocating funds for geriatric care facilities, training healthcare professionals in gerontology, and
establishing specialized clinics for older persons can further ensure their health is prioritized
during pandemics. Additionally, promoting research on the intersection of aging and infectious
diseases can provide valuable insights for targeted interventions. Secondly, social support
mechanisms need augmentation. Amendments should emphasize the importance of community
engagement and support networks for the elderly. Creating programs that facilitate regular check-
ins, virtual social activities, and mental health services tailored to older individuals can mitigate
the social isolation often exacerbated during pandemics. Implementing awareness campaigns to
combat ageism and foster intergenerational understanding is crucial for building a more inclusive
society. Furthermore, economic safeguards must be instituted to protect the financial well-being
of older citizens. Amendments should consider provisions for financial assistance, tax relief, and
pension adjustments during pandemics. Ensuring job security and flexible work arrangements for
older workers can prevent economic vulnerability. Collaboration with private sectors to promote
age-inclusive employment practices and retirement savings plans tailored to pandemic scenarios
can be vital components of these amendments. Moreover, a robust legal framework is necessary
to protect older persons from discrimination and ensure their rights are upheld during crises.
Strengthening anti-ageism laws, introducing penalties for neglect or abuse of older individuals,
and establishing clear guidelines for their protection in emergencies can contribute to a safer
environment. These legal measures should be accompanied by educational initiatives to inform
the public and law enforcement agencies about the rights and vulnerabilities of the elderly. In
terms of disaster preparedness, the amendments should mandate the development of specific
plans addressing the unique needs of older persons. This includes stockpiling medical supplies,
ensuring accessible evacuation procedures, and creating specialized shelters equipped to cater to
the elderly. Collaborating with non-governmental organizations and community groups can
enhance the effectiveness of these plans. Lastly, incorporating a feedback mechanism that
involves older persons and their representatives in policy decisions is essential. Establishing
advisory boards or councils that represent the interests of older citizens can ensure that their
perspectives are taken into account in the formulation and evaluation of pandemic response
measures.

In conclusion, amendments to RA9994 should encompass healthcare, social support, economic

safeguards, legal protection, disaster preparedness, and inclusive decision-making processes. By
adopting a holistic approach, the welfare of older persons can be safeguarded effectively in future
pandemics, fostering a society that values and protects its elderly population.