Dependency, Disengagement, and Life Satisfaction

The Challenges Confronting the Elderly of Maramag, Bukidnon, Philippines

Abstract

Filipino values and traditions say that the family’s elderly have to be taken-cared of at home, be loved, respected, and valued. But modernization tends to over-run this ideal way. In fact, the Filipino elderly has become one of the most marginalized sectors. This study was conducted to describe the life, problems, challenges, and pressing issues of the Filipino elderly. Three groups of the elderly of Maramag, Bukidnon were considered: An Indigenous People’s (IP) Community, a group of retired government employees, and a community of farmers. The study focused on financial and physical dependency, disengagement, life satisfaction, challenges, and on issues confronting the elderly. The study is descriptive using survey, indepth interview, and a key informant interview. This study revealed that the Filipino elderly are confronted with poverty and other pressing issues. Nevertheless, they are happy. It is also revealed that intermarriages have altered the once strong kinship of the indigenous peoples (IP) community. Likewise, is apparent that among the three sectors (IPs, farmers, and retirees), the IPs are the most marginalized.