The Pandemic's Challenges to the Aging Population

After several months the current pandemic shaped a different world. A higher level of uncertainty looms on the horizon. New challenges and opportunities are undoubtedly present as everybody tried to fight the spread of COVID-19. All sectors in the society need each other’s cooperation to bond as a single element to slow down if not stop this pandemic.

The COVID-19 causes several record-breaking economic data starting with unemployment reaching as high as 5 million attributed to the closure of businesses. The future of employment remained bleak, already there were 62,000 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) repatriated abroad and currently unemployed. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) estimated that there are still 100,000 more OFWs to return to the Philippines from abroad. It is heartbreaking to see women and children asking for necessities because their men lose their jobs. On the other side, the younger workers were the first to lose their jobs during an economic crisis, but when the economy recovers, they can readily find employment. Lamentably it is not the same case with senior citizens. It is more difficult for them to become reemployed after losing their jobs.

Although some senior citizens might keep an amount of savings and regularly receive retirement pay during any economic crisis, the impact on their income is notable. Several years before the onset of the pandemic, the Philippines are one of the many countries that passed the law against age discrimination. It means that there is a more significant opportunity for senior citizens who are still capable of continuing to work. However, the onset of the pandemic forced some senior citizens to take the risk of going out to sustain their everyday lives.

Just as senior citizen needs to work longer, more organizations reduce their budget and cut jobs to survive and recover financially. After this pandemic, a new economic scenario will likely emerge. For instance, those aging workers who survive the initial lay-off face increasing workplace discrimination. Age discrimination is expected to increase during this period. Also, senior citizens are vulnerable to fewer training opportunities, which exert higher pressure for them to retire. The situation exposes them to a higher risk of unemployment, poor health, depression, and helplessness.

At present, there is an increasing strain on the health care resources of the country, which senior citizens find more challenging to seek help for their health and emotional needs. The aging population is becoming more frantic in trying to ask for health assistance. During the pandemic, many of the working senior citizens who were once active and working develop a sedentary life, which increases their chance of developing systemic diseases. The decrease in their physical activities increases their chance of developing coronary or pulmonary diseases. At the same time, the reduction in their income limits their ability to buy nutritious foods, which contributed to their deteriorating health.

Aside from higher health risks, senior citizens faced an adverse health outcome as a result of increased depression and anxiety. The government strictly advised the aging population to isolate itself. Consequently, senior citizens suffered from diminished social interaction, limited social networks, and transportation limitations. Their prolonged isolation undermines both their physical and emotional well-being.

The senior citizens are facing enormous economic, physical, and emotional challenges during this period. There is increasing stress on the institutions that senior citizens often seek assistance. Before the pandemic government resources on these institutions were already overextended now, it is on the verge of collapse. Even how bleak is the present situation, we always hope that the following days will be better. Generosity and kindness can help ease the helplessness of the case. At the end of the day, we are all here to help each other.