EDITORIAL - Aging with dignity

Among 91 countries, the Philippines ranked 44th as the best places for growing old. HelpAge International, an advocacy group for the elderly, and the United Nations Population Fund teamed up to put together the Global AgeWatch Index 2013.

Because of insufficiency of data, several countries including Singapore and Malaysia were not included in the index. But the results track those for studies on human development indicators, where the Philippines ranks behind more prosperous countries. In the 2013 AgeWatch Index, the 10 best countries for growing old are Sweden, Norway, Germany, the Netherlands, Canada, Switzerland, New Zealand, the United States, Iceland and Japan.

Despite resource constraints in the Philippines, however, efforts have been made in recent years to promote the welfare of the elderly. Republic Act 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act, passed in 2010, provided more benefits for the elderly, including bigger discounts in more commercial establishments as well as greater access to public health care services.

Poverty in this developing country, however, inflicts a heavy toll on the elderly. The law provides a monthly state stipend of P500 for indigent elderly Filipinos. That is still barely enough to keep the impoverished elderly off the streets. In the AgeWatch Index, released at the start of the observance of Elderly Filipino Week from Oct. 1 to 7, the country ranked a low 73rd in the area of income security, and 70th in health status. The country fared better in an enabling environment for the elderly, ranking 21st, and in employment and education where it placed 17th.

In place of state-provided social safety nets, elderly Filipinos do benefit from the extended family system. The tradition of younger generations caring for the older remains deeply entrenched. Still, more programs can be developed so people can remain productive as they age. Millions of senior citizens can use continuing education, skills training and livelihood programs. Age should not be a debilitating factor in nation building.