Aging population
THE “elderly” or “senior citizens” now comprise 8.5 percent of the more than 100 million Philippine population, compared to only 5.9 percent at the turn of the century.
The Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) attributed the rise to increasing life expectancy, better access to medical care and healthier lifestyle.
In impoverished Philippines, where police and military officers and men retire at the age of 56, the elderly or senior citizens belong to the age group 60 years and over.
POPCOM Executive Director Juan Antonio Perez said that by 2035, the number of senior citizens “will be very big,” necessitating the crafting of programs for them.
And we cannot overemphasize the importance of adopting a comprehensive national policy aimed at protecting the socio-economic and political rights of the elderly.
This, the government will do, through concerned offices and agencies, by providing for their self-reliance, care and rehabilitation while fostering their capacity for productive aging.
Based on United Nations (UN) standards, a country has an “aging society” if the older people or senior citizens comprise more than 10 percent of the total population.
We agree with the POPCOM executive that the government ought to find ways to employ the country’s senior citizens, men and women, who are still able and productive.
Indeed, Perez is on the right path in urging government authorities`, particularly our lawmakers, to come up with measures and programs designed to help our eldely.
Let’s make sure that the many needs and aspirations of our older Filipinos are met.
