Opinions
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Aging with grace, dignity and peace |
by Cheryl Dizon-Reynante
Working in healthcare, I meet with many people over the age of 55 and notice that some are doing well, while others struggle. Getting older is a natural part of life, and each person can choose how to live life well and make positive lifestyle choices. Some of these choices include optimizing physical health, mental wellness, relationships and spiritual life.
In the Philippines where family ties, traditions, and community play central roles in everyday life, aging well involves more than just physical health. For the Filipino community, successful aging emphasizes connection to family, friends, and cultural engagement. With proper support and awareness, Filipino seniors can enjoy a fulfilling, dignified, and active life.
1. Maintaining physical health
The foundation of aging well starts with taking care of the body. Chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease are common among older Filipinos, but many of these conditions can be managed or even prevented through lifestyle changes. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper medical care are essential.
Traditional Filipino diets are often high in rice, salt, and fried foods. Ulam often does not have lean proteins in it (fish, tofu, beans or chicken breast) or whole grains (brown rice or quinoa). While our eating habits are culturally ingrained starting from when we were little children, we can start eating healthier by making small changes. Don’t start by making big diet changes, because this can cause stress with food being unfamiliar. Instead, we can begin by eating more fruits and vegetables and eating smaller portions of white rice. Over time, you can add in new foods.
Limiting processed foods and sugary drinks is also key. Don’t buy too many snacks that come in colourful packages! Treats such as ensaymada and bubble tea should be occasional only. Encouraging the elderly to eat smaller, more nutritious meals can help maintain energy levels and prevent malnutrition.
Exercise is equally important. Activities such as walking, gardening, or even light stretching can significantly improve mobility, heart health, and mental well-being. Barangays and senior citizen organizations can help by organizing weekly physical activity programs, which also foster social connection. In Winnipeg, Zumba classes are becoming more popular.
Regular medical check-ups and medication adherence are very important. Many Filipino seniors delay seeking medical help due to financial concerns or accessibility. In Canada we are fortunate to get universal healthcare, so prioritize getting a family doctor that you see regularly.
2. Emotional and mental well-being
Mental health among elderly Filipinos is often overlooked. There is a stigma around asking for help. We emphasize avoiding “loss of face” or bringing shame to ourselves and the family. But unfortunately, depression, loneliness, and cognitive decline such as dementia are increasing issues. These challenges increase when elderly individuals live alone or feel neglected by their families.
Our Filipino cultural attitudes can help, but they can also damage mental health. The Filipino value of pakikipagkapuwa-tao (shared identity and empathy) and utang na loob (debt of gratitude) foster strong family bonds, which can provide emotional support. However, these values can sometimes pressure elderly individuals to suppress their own needs and hide how they are really doing. Open communication within families is essential to ensure seniors feel heard and supported.
Throughout aging, it is important to find meaning as a way to have mental wellness. Hobbies, volunteer work, and lifelong learning activities like community classes or online courses can give seniors a renewed sense of purpose. Religious activities, which are deeply embedded in Filipino life, also offer spiritual strength and a sense of belonging.
3. Social support and community engagement
In Filipino culture, the elderly are traditionally respected and cared for within extended families. However, modernization, migration, and urbanization have led to changes in family structures. More seniors are living apart from their children or in nursing homes; situations that can lead to isolation.
To age well, social connection is crucial. This is why visits and parties are so common in the Filipino culture. Community centres and senior citizens’ associations can also play an active role in connecting elderly Filipinos through social events, group outings, and skills training. Intergenerational programs, where seniors can share knowledge and mentor the youth, also promote mutual respect and understanding.
Access to technology can also help bridge the gap between seniors and distant family members. Teaching basic digital skills, like using mobile phones, Facebook, or video calling, can help seniors stay connected, especially when loved ones live in another country.
4. Financial stability and independence
Financial challenges are a major concern for many elderly Filipinos, especially those who lack pensions or savings. While the Canadian government provides CPP, OAS and sometimes GIS, it is often not enough. Unfortunately, some Filipinos engage in chronic gambling which can be a destructive behaviour that can damage financial stability and family relationships. If this is a concern for you, make changes by getting involved in other activities and talking to someone that you trust.
To help seniors age with dignity, programs that offer part-time employment, income-generating activities, or financial literacy training can be valuable. Many older Filipinos still have the capacity and desire to work or contribute to their families. Recognizing their capabilities and giving them the tools to maintain independence empowers them and enhances their quality of life.
5. Cultural values and respect for the elderly
Lastly, aging well in the Filipino context is strongly tied to cultural values. Respect for elders, manifested through gestures like mano po and using polite language, is a hallmark of Filipino society. However, these traditions must be preserved not just in greetings or light conversation, but also when having deep and meaningful conversations with our Filipino seniors.
True respect means ensuring that elderly individuals are not merely tolerated, but are integrated into decision-making, listened to, and treated with dignity. Elderly care must be a shared responsibility, not just of families, but of the wider society.
To age well as a Filipino elderly person means more than staying physically healthy. It means staying connected, respected, and engaged in life. With proper healthcare, social and family support, financial security, and recognition of their valuable role in society, Filipino seniors can live their later years with purpose, pride, and peace.
Cheryl Dizon-Reynante is a licensed therapist with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.