Silver Linings for the Elderly in the Philippines: Policies and Programs for Senior Citizens

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Based on the 2015 Census of Population and Housing, there were 7.5 million senior citizens, or persons aged 60 and above, in the Philippines. The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs projects that, by 2032, the Philippines will be identified as one of the countries with an ageing population, as the proportion of persons aged 65 and above to the total population is projected to exceed 7.0 percent. Senior citizens tend to have higher prevalence of various medical diseases and comorbidities. Moreover, they are less economically active compared to younger age groups. Thus, this projected increase in the number of senior citizens entails greater support needed in terms of health care and income security for the elderly. In response to this, the government has been enacting various legislations and implementing various social protection programs for senior citizens. Among the following are the mandatory PhilHealth coverage for all senior citizens, Social Security System/Government Service Insurance System retirement benefits and pension for those previously involved in the formal economy, or through the social pension program for indigent senior citizens.