Text and Photo by Henrylito D. Tacio
Aging is the road that a person takes to discern his character. But to senior citizens in this country, it means a trip to the hospital.
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported senior citizens – those who are 60 years old and above – comprised six percent or roughly 4.6 million of the total population in 2000. After a decade, the figure increased to 6.5 million. By 2030, senior citizens will encompass 11.5 percent of the total population.
Most of these adults are trooping to hospital only when they have a complaint like chest pain, dizziness, fever or shortness of breath. But there are diseases that have no obvious signs or symptoms.
Osteoporosis, a disorder where the bones in the body become weak and porous, is among these unnoticeable diseases.
“Osteoporosis is a common, but serious, disease,” said Dr. Monica Therese Cating-Cabral, an internist and endocrinologist with a special interest in bone health and mineral disorders. “Unfortunately, many patients discover they have the condition only after they have had a fracture.”
A survey carried out by the Philippine Orthopedic Center some years ago showed that 62.9% of the patients aged 50 and over who had been admitted for fractures were affected by osteoporosis.
Although osteoporosis is more common among women, particularly after they reached menopause, men are not spared. “One in three women, as well as one in five men over the age of 50, will experience a fracture due to osteoporosis,” Dr. Cating-Cabral says.
The figure is reportedly higher than the number of people succumbing to cancer of the breast (for women) and prostate (for men). As such, health experts contend it should be given the attention it deserves.
“Osteoporosis is indeed a serious problem in the country,” said the Osteoporosis Society of the Philippines, Inc. (OSPFI), which was created in 1997 to disseminate information about osteoporosis to the public. “With a growing population of elderly Filipinos, the increase in osteoporosis-related fractures will translate into a potentially huge health and social problem in the near future.”
No one can escape from osteoporosis. “Most people reach their peak bone mass in the spine between the ages of 25 and 30 and reach their peak bone mass in the long bones – such as the hip – from age 35 to 40,” said Dr. Kenneth Cooper, author of Preventing Osteoporosis. “After we pass this peak bone mass age, and especially after about age 45, all the bones in the body begin to lose density.”
But before this happens, Dr. Cating-Cabral suggests eating proper nutritious food and doing exercises as early as childhood to have strong bones. “The sturdier our bones are in our youths, the less likely we will develop osteoporosis at a later age,” she pointed out.
The lady physician who has undergone training at the Cleveland Clinic Akron General in the United States also suggests getting enough calcium and vitamin D. Among the food sources rich in calcium include milk, cheese, egg yolks, salmon and tuna. Vitamin D can be obtained by spending time under the midday sun for about 10-15 minutes.
Among the recommended exercises are walking and jogging. “Aim to exercise three to five days a week, 30 minutes each day,” Dr. Cating-Cabral suggested.
In the Philippines, the first week of October is celebrated as the Elderly Filipino Week, under Presidential Proclamation No. 470, s. 1994, which was signed by then President Fidel V. Ramos.
The proclamation launched the executive department’s obligation, through the Department of Social Welfare and Development, to implement a social welfare program supporting the well-being of the elderly. It is postulated that senior citizens are essential members of the society who need help and protection in order to live productive and happy lives.
“Filipinos put high cultural importance on respect for aging and the elderly,” states National Today. “Young people are expected to respect the elderly as well as senior members of their families. Older individuals should be addressed politely, especially with suitable titles of respect.”
The government has passed several laws in support and in recognition of the elderly sector including Republic Act 7432 granting benefits to senior citizens and the amendment RA 9257 which granted additional benefits: 20% discounts on fare, food, medicines, recreation and other services.
RA 9994 allows senior citizens – who have the capacity and desire to work – to be re-employed. Terms of employment, however, should conform with the provisions of the Labor Code, as amended, and other laws, rules and regulations.
In addition, RA 9994 provides the following benefits: monthly social pension to be given to indigent senior citizens and death benefit assistance to be given to the nearest surviving relative who cared for the deceased senior citizen until his/her death.
“The number of senior citizens (in the Philippines) is increasing every day,” said Franklin Quijano, chairperson of the National Commission of Senior Citizens.
Right now, one out of 10 Filipinos is a senior citizen. “In 15 years, there will be two seniors for every 10 Filipinos,” he pointed out. – ###
