Population ageing is considered to be a global trend which
can affect the social and economic aspect of the country. It has also a great impact on the health of
the people. As mentioned in the modules, population ageing is addressed by
countries in a different way as influenced by their own culture.
UAE at a glance
I am working here in United Arab Emirates for almost 4 years
now and I can say that the local people here are very fortunate because they
are well taken cared of by the government. When it comes to Education, housing
and health care, UAE Nationals are almost free. Almost every services are
funded by the government. Cost of Health care for all ages is never an issue
for them.
Just like in a typical Filipino culture, the family has full
participation in taking care of their elderly members. For them, senior
citizens can be a great source of guidance and wisdom. One can learn from their
experiences that is why most often the advices from the elderly matters a lot
to them. There are also available
government programs for them which give a comprehensive health care services
including social security.
Home care services are also offered to elderly people. This
is catered by a team which includes nurses, medical technologists, physical
therapist and doctors. They visit elderly at home to follow-up their health
care. Wound care for pressure sore and diabetic foot ulcer, checking of vital
signs and blood sugar, physical therapy and laboratory exams are just some of
the services provided.
Philippine scenario
Elderly are faced with numerous health problems so they
require assistance and special kind of care and unfortunately not all of them
are lucky to receive it. That is very true in the Philippines, wherein not
everyone can afford the health care services and the country’s resources is not
enough to support the needs of these people.
Somehow, efforts had been made by the government to ensure
adequate health care for the elderly. According to the Expanded Senior
Citizen’s Act of 2010, senior citizens are entitled to a 20% discounts with VAT
exemption. But let’s face it; this medical discount for senior citizens is not
enough guarantee that the elderly are getting appropriate and quality health
care. I pity those elderly who has no resources and no family at all. Who will
ensure that they will get the appropriate care they need?
In
addressing the challenges of the aging population, the government and the
people should work hand in hand with each other. Here are some of the possible
solutions:
- The government should continue to provide
programs which will protect the well being of the older population. Collaboration
with the private sectors in providing a more accessible health care for
the elderly population in an affordable cost.
- We should continue to uphold our culture which
values strong family ties. Love, understanding and care must be extended
to the elderly member of our family.
- While we are still active and able to work, take
the opportunity to save for the future.
References:
1.
Natividad,
et al (2005). Caring for Older Person. UP Open University.
2.
Enriquez, K. G. (2010, February 26). RA No. 9994: The
Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010. Retrieved from http://www.pwc.com/ph/en/taxwise-or-otherwise/2010/RA-9994-expanded-senior-citizens-act-2010.jhtml
3.
Seniors in Abu Dhabi. Retrieved from http://www.abudhabi.ae/egovPoolPortal_WAR/appmanager/ADeGP/Citizen?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=p_citizen_en_homepage_hidenav&did=279778&lang=en#279780
4.
Gaston,
G. World Population Collapse: Lessons for
the Philippines. Retrieved from http://lifeissues.net/writers/gas/gas_01populationcollapse.html
