BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The Philippines, like other developing countries, is experiencing a demographic shift and is experiencing an increasing aging population, thus Filipinos are advised to adapt and practice “healthy ageing” for a healthy Pilipinas.
Dr. Geohna Perez- Dizon of the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC), reported during a recent Kapihan media forum for the promotion of October health events that include Filipino Elderly Week (October 1 to 7), that from 9.2 million Filipino senior citizens in 2020, the number is increasing and it is projected there will be around 11-12 million senior citizens by 2030.
Dizon explained that older people are prone to geriatric syndrome such as dementia, delirium, depression, malnutrition, risk for fall, osteoporosis, poly-pharmacy, sleep disorder, movement disorder, sensory impairment, inconvenience, and elder abuse/neglect.
Sharing a BGHMC Geriatric Care Unit data, 324 elderly patients underwent comprehensive geriatric assessment, a tool to evaluate the functional capacity, level of nutrition, cognitive function, presence or absence of depression, and weight and balance.
Results showed that several patients have manifested multiple geriatric syndrome, wherein 82 percent have dementia, 71% with sleep disorders, 65% suffer incontinence, 60% exhibit malnutrition, and 59% show risk for fall.
Dizon stressed the importance of staying active and healthy as people get older. Healthy ageing, she said, involves taking care of physical, mental, and cognitive health.
She reminded the public to practice the DOH’s Seven Healthy Habits for a Healthy Pilipinas – Move More, Eat Right; Be Clean, Live Sustainably; Get Vaccinated; Don’t Smoke, Lessen Alcohol, Say No to Drugs; Care for Yourself, Care for Others; Practice Safe Sex; and Do No Harm, Put Safety First.
For frailty and sarcopenia, she advised older people to focus their exercises on resistance training, muscle building and balance training that is also helpful in fall prevention.
For cognitive impairment prevention, Dizon cited mental stimulation activities such as reading, music, and playing board games.
For elderly depression, it is important to adapt through exercise, staying connected with family and friends, and participate in community and social engagement. Also, have distractions such as getting a pet or a new hobby
Aside from the promotion of healthy Filipino Elderly, DOH-CAR officials and partners from the BGHMC also promoted Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Food Safety Week, as well as updates on the ongoing school-based immunization. **JDP/CCD/PIA CAR