Respect the elderly

I worked in a senior citizen home in America while I was a student there. I remember how the community and the government made tremendous efforts in making sure these citizens were well taken cared of. They have health care programs, enrichment programs, volunteering opportunities (i.e. at school, hospitals, libraries, museums) and also are used as vital resource speakers/ consultants to their respective fields of interests. I saw how even with the unavoidable circumstances they have which is filled with uncertainties they are able to grow old gracefully and happily.

Although we sometimes hear of cases about elderly abuse and mistreatment in the USA, once reported, authorities penalize these rascals. In other words, they are protected and supported by the State.

In our country, our senior citizens are faced with many issues. Aside from the psychological or emotional aspect of getting older, many of our seniors are worried of losing employment opportunities, poor government supported health programs and personal financial capabilities.

I write about our senior citizens because in the past months, I have been meeting different elderly people coming from all walks of life. They share their experiences and sentiments and wishing and hoping that things get better. Of course, for the rich and able this may not be an issue but for the middle class downward, it is a major concern.

A few days ago while eating in a fast food outlet, I observed a lovely, elderly, middle class couple. My heart went out to the man as he reached for his tattered brown wallet with loose leaves of paper sticking out. As he was paying the bill, he showed his senior citizen card and the waiter said they do not accept such cards. I was pretty sure the waiter made a mistake. He probably was not oriented with the senior citizen policy. I wanted to stand up and intervene but decided to observe. As the man was trying to explain and convince the waiter, I saw the wife staring at him and looking worried. I felt bad and sorry that they had to go through this ordeal. When I was about to assist them, the manager appeared and they too had a discussion. After a few minutes, the issue seemed to have been resolved but the couple looked quite harassed. Unbelievable! We tend to overlook the little things which mean a lot to others especially in this case, to the senior citizens. If the local government does not keep a good watch on such establishments, they will continue victimizing our citizens. I suggest there be a Bantay Senior Citizen “hotline” (either to the LGU or to the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs) written at the back of the senior citizen card that will come in handy when there is a need to report such cases of rudeness and deceit.

The apparent lack of awareness amongst the public and the ignorance of service providers of the law concerning the senior citizens defeat the purpose of making life better for these people.

The financial capacity of a retired citizen creates a stressful life and invites the entry of problems other than physical and mental health issues. Sure money is a problem to everyone. But with seniors their income is fixed. The value of money cannot be overstated in this post-retirement period.

After retiring from work what’s next? Does the Social Security System pension plan work? Yes, it works but it’s not enough! When one reaches retirement age, the retiree receives a lump sum benefit (equivalent to about 24 months of the estimated monthly pension) then he waits for two years before his monthly pension is released. The monthly pension depends upon the retiree’s total SSS contributions. Monthly pension ranges from P2,500 to P10,000 per month and it comes with a December (13th month bonus) every year. I hope the SSS group study their benefit and pension plans. It doesn’t seem to be commensurate to the times. We need an upgrade!

Now what happens to a person who does not have SSS membership? How will he survive? Your guess is as good as mine – and we have many of them scattered around the country not to mention the indigents.

The most serious problem that senior citizens face is healthcare. The health and medical expenditures of older people are higher compared to that of the younger ones. Medical and hospital costs often consume a significant proportion of the savings of seniors. Only a few hospitals in the country have geriatric wards. Most of the rooms available are private which only the rich can afford. The Philippine General Hospital has a geriatric ward with only a few doctors specializing in Gerontology and Geriatrics. There is always a long queue of senior citizens wanting to avail of free consultation and medication but not all are accommodated due to lack of supplies and limited doctors.

It must also be noted that our public hospitals are very ill-equipped. A good portion of the yearly budget should really be allocated to public health so that we can improve these medical centers. Many of us would rather go to private hospitals where service is excellent but the cost is too high. We definitely need to develop better public healthcare services in this country.

Not all senior citizens are eligible to avail the PhilHealth benefits unless one becomes a Philhealth enrollee – a voluntary member, a lifetime member or a dependent of a PhilHealth member. And even if senior citizens are granted a twenty percent (20%) discount on medical and dental services (including diagnostic and laboratory fees, professional fees of doctors in all private hospitals) – it is still tough to get sick in this country. The PhilHealth coverage is just too low.

When my father was still alive I remember we had difficulty getting a medical insurance coverage for him. In most health care insurance companies the rule of thumb is – HMO only accepts enrolment up to age 65. Some health providers extend coverage up 75 years of age provided that the premium rate is paid 100 percent to 150 percent more. But how many of our citizens can afford a health insurance? I hope a good Samaritan in Congress can come up with a bill to resolve these issues and update our healthcare system.

I would like to acknowledge some cities that are going toward the right direction of taking care of their elderly citizens specially the City of Makati. Programs such as free movies, free tours, free check-up, etc. are good as starters – but what’s next? We need long-term measures and solution to improve the welfare of this group.

Our senior citizens have served the country and are such an inspiration to the younger generation. They should never be neglected and forgotten. We must take advantage of their capabilities and continue to maximize their potential. They must be given the respect they deserve. Government should continue to create programs that will keep their dignity, make them happy and help them live comfortable lives.