FACTS:

According to the recent census of

the Philippine Statistics Authority
(PSA), the number of Filipinos aged

RESPECTING
60 years and above has doubled to
9.22 million in 2020 from only 4.6
million in 2000. With the fertility
rates dropping, comes the aging

THE PAST, population phenomenon.

The traditional high regard for older OUR

ENRICHING THE
persons remains characteristic of

ADVOCACY
Filipino families. But this
notwithstanding, their special needs
such as health care, housing,

FUTURE
income security, and other social
services need to be addressed, not
only by their families and
communities but by the whole
INITIATIVES:
government. They are vulnerable to
neglect as the pressures of
economic survival bear on Filipino
families. In 1970, for every elderly,
there were about 11 working people
from whom support could be drawn.
By 2020, studies indicate that only 6
people of productive age will
support the elderly.

FACTS:
Understanding Our Elders
Elders have a wealth of
experience and wisdom to share.
Activities where different
Adequate Health
We must advocate for improved
healthcare services tailored to the
specific needs of the elderly. This
includes addressing issues of
accessibility, affordability, and the
integration of geriatric-focused
training for healthcare professionals.
"Respecting the Past, Enriching the
Future" is a pledge to honor our elders'
legacies while actively building a future in
which their contributions are recognized.
As student nurses, our commitment to
advocating for the geriatric community is
a powerful force for positive change. Let

generations are involved are
encouraged – this could foster
connections between the elderly
and younger generations. Events
like storytelling sessions where
the elderly share their
experiences or a community
service day where the youth help
with tasks like grocery shopping
or gardening. Also, establishing
outreach programs that connect
student nurses with elderly
individuals in the community can
foster relationships, provide
support, and identify cases of
neglect that may otherwise go
unnoticed.
Get Educated
us embark on this advocacy journey with
compassion, understanding, and
Learn about the laws that protect
commitment to enhance the quality of
the elderly so that we can help
advocate for the enforcement and life of our elderly. Together, we can
strengthening of elder abuse laws. ensure that every step we take improves
This is to ensure that those
responsible for mistreating the
the lives of those who came before us if
elderly are held accountable. We we work together.
must support legislative initiatives
that provide clear definitions of elder
abuse and appropriate penalties.
Nursing Student’s duty
We will use our knowledge as a
nursing student to educate others
about the needs and challenges of
the elderly. This could be through
community workshops, social media,
or even one-on-one conversations.