An Assessment of the Life Expectancy and Life Satisfaction of Senior Citizens: A Basis for the Program of Senior Citizens in Cardona, Rizal

Abstract

No one is born old, and individuals become unique as they grow older in part because of particular histories of life experience. During the life course, the repertoire of individuals is shaped by how the person invested time and energy. Every human being in this world will come to the point of aging. Nobody could ever stop the development from a straightforward organism to a more complex being. But we can be able to have additional years by living in full health. Scientists have been able to identify the average years that a human can live. It was coined as life expectancy or longevity. The purpose of this study is to identify the factors that affect the life expectancy of a person. This could help the community recognize the means to have longer lives. Furthermore, this could enable the researcher, as a social worker, to pinpoint the programs that are relevant in increasing the longevity of the elderly and improve the quality of life in her community. This could empower the clientele on how to live in full health and determine the benefits if they will live in full health. This study was conducted to assess the level of life expectancy and extent of life satisfaction of senior citizen in Cardona, Rizal as the basis for the proposed program in the school year 2018. This study used purposive sampling technique, wherein the experts content validated the questionnaire checklist, was distributed to the respondents and was retrieved for data treatment. Most of the respondents are mostly elementary graduates, female belonging to 66-70 years old, Roman Catholics, married and have a monthly family income of 9999. Different aspects of life expectancy affect the kind of living of the respondents. The respondents live with satisfaction and possess proper perspective to life. The personal backgrounds of the respondents are not contributory to their life expectancy and life satisfaction. Life expectancy and life satisfaction have positive and strong relationships with each other. The respondents’ self-assessments on the quality of their life as senior citizens are generally positive or an above-average level of satisfaction with their household relationships, health status, community life and participation, access to programs and benefits, and financial security. Health is the result of many intertwining factors. The conditions in which people live affect their health status and contribute to the creation of a gap between socioeconomic groups. Socioeconomic inequalities concerning health status are observable to the statistical results. There has to be enhanced cooperation and support between the health sector and other sectors in the locality to create sustainable and efficient health care sector that would result in desired health outcomes that include longer life span. The MSWD along with its coordinating agencies in the town may enhance and continue the existing programs that enable and empower the senior citizens to be aware of the importance of caring for themselves and to their health status. Participation of senior citizens in recreational activities which enable them to be socially connected and be physically, mentally, and emotionally fit is highly suggested. The LGU, MSWD and the local policy-making body may craft innovative policies, plans, and programs that are anchored to the national implemented laws for Senior Citizens. The following are also recommended to be done for the senior citizens’ welfare; better healthcare system, inclusive health, and wellness programs, quality social services for senior citizens, enabled and empowered senior citizens and healthy lifestyle awareness campaign to communities. The above recommendation should be part of the larger initiative to integrate concern related to aging in LGU and national development plans and programs. This will require a broader perspective and more holistic analysis and response to social welfare issues (or social issues in general) in view of aging and differing needs through time as a factor. Further researches on the quality of life of the elderly and active aging in the country, particularly on non-physical health dimensions of household dynamics in the context of globalized cultures, socioeconomic issues, and community participation and leadership, should be done. Another area of research is on the gendered dimensions of aging and realities of the elderly.