Our elders are often overlooked when discussions about mental health are brought to the table. Yet, behind the doors of quiet homes and aging communities lies a growing crisis: the mental and emotional well-being of older Filipinos.
Recent studies reveal that 32.1% of Filipino senior citizens experience depressive symptoms, with a higher prevalence among women (36.5%) compared to men (25.6%). These figures highlight the profound impact of factors such as isolation, chronic illness, bereavement, and financial stress—challenges that are often exacerbated by a healthcare system unprepared to meet their unique and evolving needs.
Loneliness is a daily reality for many elderly Filipinos. The loss of a spouse, children living far away, or diminishing social circles can lead to emotional decline. Health problems and limited mobility further limit their engagement in community life.
Despite these challenges, geriatric mental health remains largely invisible in public health programs. Few facilities offer specialized care, and even fewer have professionals trained to address the psychological needs of older adults.
Limited access to mental health services is another significant challenge. The Philippines has only 4.13 mental hospital beds per 100,000 population, highlighting a substantial deficiency in infrastructure. Most mental health services are concentrated in major cities, leaving rural elderly populations with minimal resources. The country lacks dedicated national programs for age-related cognitive or emotional disorders, and geriatric psychiatry remains a neglected field in medical training.
Stigma further exacerbates the issue. Older generations often internalize mental health struggles, viewing them as personal failings rather than medical conditions. This cultural perspective discourages many from seeking help, leading to untreated conditions and a diminished quality of life.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also intensified this silent crisis. Lockdowns and social distancing measures have heightened feelings of isolation among seniors, leading to increased anxiety and depression. Yet, mental health interventions during the pandemic have predominantly focused on younger populations, leaving the elderly underserved.
If we are to care for our communities fully, we must care for those who built them. Geriatric mental health deserves more than a brief mention; it demands attention, services, and compassion.
Growing old should not mean growing forgotten.
