CHAPTER I

Background of the Study

In the Philippines, the number of older people is increasing rapidly, faster than growth

in the total population1. In 2000, there were 4.6 million senior citizens (60 years or older),

representing about 6% of the total population. In one decade, this grew to 6.5 million

older people or about 6.9% of the total population.2 The National Statistics Office

projects that by 2030, older people will make up around 11.5 % of the total population.3

As estimated, it is depicted that in the year 2050, the total population of the elderly will

increase.

As of 2012, the population of older people in poverty estimates 1.3 million in the total

population of the Philppines.

1
Perez, A. Building an Active, disability-Free society for All. Human Rights Forum, vol. 9, no.1. Jul-Dec
1999
2
National Statistics Office, 2000
3
NSO

1
 People who are regarded as senior citizen are those aged 60 years old and over. They

made up 6.8 percent of the 92.1 million household population in 2010, higher than the 6.0

percent recorded in 2000. Among the senior citizens, females (55.8 percent) outnumbered

the males (44.2 percent).

According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), a nearly a

third (31.4%) of older people were living in poverty in 20004. Currently, this number is

estimated to be 1.3 million older people.5

An ageing population increases the demand for health services.6 Older people suffer

from both degenerative and communicable diseases due to the ageing of the body’s

immune system. The leading causes of morbidity are infections, while visual impairment,

4
COSE 2006 please also include title of document or a link
5
Department of Health, Health and Well-being of Older Persons June 2012
6
Department of Health, Health and Well-being of Older Persons June 201

2
difficulty in walking, chewing, hearing, osteoporosis, arthritis and incontinence are other

common health-related problems.7

In 2000, a survey was conducted by the University of the Philippines College of

Public Health (UP-CPH) and Department of Health (DOH). Of 2,460 older persons

interviewed, roughly 63 percent of them said they felt healthy, especially those from rural

Luzon and urban Mindanao. The perception of health was lowest in rural and urban

Visayas, and the Manila-National Capital Region (NCR).

It was reported that 20 percent of the respondents had accidents, injuries, or chronic

illnesses that affected their daily activities. Among those who experienced accidents,

injuries, and illnesses, the following conditions were frequently cited: respiratory

problems (4.2 percent), neurologic problems (3.5 percent), musculo-skeletal complaints

(2.7 percent), cardio-vascular disease (2.6 percent), sensory impairment (1.8 percent) and

trauma (1.7 percent). The most common type of disability affecting elderly people is poor

eyesight or low vision at 54.1 percent. The incidence of poor vision is lower in males at

51.2 percent than in females at 56.5 percent.8

7
Philippine Health Statistics, 2000
8
National Statistics Office 2000, Special Report on Senior Citizens, Manila

3
 The elderly population suffers both degenerative and communicable diseases due to

the ageing of the body’s immune system. The leading causes of morbidity are infectious

in nature (Philippine Health Statistics, 2000), while visual impairment, difficulty in

walking, chewing, hearing, osteoporosis, arthritis and incontinence are among other

common health-related problems affecting this population.9

Older persons account for 49.1 percent of all deaths in the Philippines. The mortality

rate among older persons ranges from double to 12 times that for all age groups.

9
https://www.mhlw.go.jp

4
 Statistical figures show that the life expectancy at birth and at age 60 has been

increasing. In 2002, it was recorded at 66.9 years for males and 72.2 years for females.

And while female older persons tend to live longer than the males, it appears that more

females are disposed to live longer, inactive lives, except at age 80.Of households with

older persons, 65.7 percent had one senior citizen in the house while 34.5 percent had

two. Around 16 percent of older persons belonged to two-member households, whereas

15.1 percent of old persons belonged to three-member households. Likewise, 15.1

5
percent also belonged to households with 8 or more members. One-third of the total

elderly population were females who headed the household10.

The estimate places the Philippines closer to having an aging population, which is

marked by at least 7 percent of the population aged 65 years or older. "By year-end 2018

there will be 8,013,059 Filipinos over 60, constituting 8.2% of Filipinos. Of this group,

5,082,049 will be 65 and older. Most countries are considered aging if they have at least

7% of the population over 65 years old," POPCOM said in a press statement.11

10
National Statistics Office 2000, Special Report on Senior Citizens, Manila
11
http://ageingasia.org

6
 Seeing these issues and problems, the government was engaged in finding solutions.

The DSWD maintains four residential care for older persons ages 60 and above, both

male and female who are abandoned and neglected. The four centers for older persons

are Golden Acres: Haven for Elderly in Tanay, Rizal; Home for the Elderly in

Zamboanga City; Home for the Aged in Tagum City; GRACES (Golden Reception and

Center for Elderly and other special needs) in Quezon City.12

The four centers have a budget allotment of P60,911,280.00. As of September 30,

2016, P38,311,087.13 or 62.9% of the allotted budget for these centers have been

utilized. Golden Acres: Haven for Elderly, which has a 300 bed capacity, has served 244

clients as of June 2016. Of these total, 94 are male while 150 are female. As of

September 30, 2016, out of its P21M budget, P7,541,183.25 or 35.9% has already been

utilized.In GRACES where the bed capacity is only 200 actually serves 301 from June

2016 report, and even went up to 342 clients served as of September 30 2016 report. As

of June 2016, GRACES has served 149 male clients and 152 female clients. Reports as of

September 30, 2016 shows that of the P28,124,250.00 budget allotted CY 2016 for

GRACES, 87.1% or 24,496,708.86 has already been utilized. Home for the Elderly,

which only has a bed capacity of 45, has served 82 clients as of September 30, 2016. This

number went up to 82 from 61 with a breakdown of 31 men and 30 women, based on

reports from June 2016. The allocated budget CY 2016 for the center is P5,887,030.00

has a utilization rate as of September 30, 2016 of 38.1% or P2,241,454.53. The Home for

the Aged which has a 60 bed capacity helps 72 clients, based on two reports coming from

12
https://ncmb.dswd.gov.ph

7
June and September this year. Of this total, 32 are women and 40 men. With a budget

allocation this year of P5,900,000.00, 68.3% or P4,031,740.49 have been utilized.13

However, seeing these records pertains to the needs of expansion of the bed capacity

and facilities. And it was also stated by Sec. Taguiwalo that it needs to be improved so

they can admit more of the neglected elderly members.

The existing residential care for older people needs to be expanded and as well to be

improved as reflected and based on the data given by the government. Focusing in their

health conditions are relative and must have its own facility intended for such manner of

disease or disability. There are also places that have no health care and residential center

intended for the old and neglected people, one of these is places is Mindoro which only

has a 1 foundation running for taking care of the old people. However, in the future

generation, the government intended to have its residential and life care center as stated

in the current issue in concern of the elderly.

Statement of the problem

Philippines are now closer to having an aging population however most people

were not very much concerned regarding the issue. Filipinos must be aware and be

concerned in the current situation of old citizens considering their health, conditions,

workforce and amendments thus, creating a community health based center with its

natural environment coping with the love, care, and the respect they need in the current

and future generation.

13
https://ncmb.dswd.gov.ph

8
 Sub-Problems

Elderly abandonment in the Philippines

Increasing number of less fortunate senior citizen resulting in being homeless

Health conditions of the old such as: arthritis, dementia, kidney and bladder problems

Inadequate learning and training center

Delimitation of the problem

This study comprises of given data and statistics in pursuing to have a more reliable

solution concerning the aged population specifically the old citizen. The facts and issue

surrounds and covers the study regarding the awareness in their conditions in different

aspects such as: health, social status, social credibility, workforce, and physical and

mental needs. This study is only implied and applied with similar countries that have a

large factor of old people in the overall population of their country.

Assumptions

Creating a community health based center with the application of ecological

architecture will greatly solve to the needs and satisfactions of the elderly. Especially to

their health conditions in which facilities have the intervention of green spaces resulting

in a more comfort, and more efficient way of finding an environment for their natural

healing. It will be a new home to the abandoned senior citizen in which they will be

cared, loved and respect regardless of their status and conditions. This will also help in

alleviating the current conditions of the old population in which they are being concerned

not only by the government but also by the people surrounding them.

9
 Significance of the study

This study is suitably one of the solutions regarding the issue of the aging population

of the Philippines. It comprises several ideas where problems regarding the elderly will

be solve in such a way that people will be aware and concerned such as expansion of the

spaces, the improvement of facility (health and recreational) and the proposed life care

centers in certain areas that are most likely to have no centers intended for the elderly. It

will help and be a guide to life care centers and community centers to have a more

reliable data and knowledge concerning the well-being of the senior citizens in respect to

their needs. Featuring new spaces and efficient source of building materials. This is also

to innovate and to improve the currents existing centers in focusing for the betterment of

the citizen.

To the students, this will help them cite resources for their research in related to this

topic. As well as being aware in the current condition of the country.

To future researchers, it will be one of their sources for their research in continuation of

this study.

To government, this will help improve for furthering the help and needs of the neglected

old people, in establishing new centers and facilities intended for their health conditions.

10
 Conceptual Framework

Agencies concerning
Total number of old and supporting the
population in certain elderly. The national
areas, their needs, standards in creating
health conditions and life care and rehab
status. centers.
DESIGN

Application of ecological
architecture in creating a
natural and healing
environment.

The design to be expected is an ecological rehabilitation and life care center which has

several features such as:

Facility intended for their most common disability (like low vision/poor eye sight)

A centered green space for the natural healing

Research facility for the diseases that mostly affects several elderly

11
 Theoretical Framework

Concerned people: Government agencies Government policies

statistical records such as: The related to older people:
of old patients and Department of Social Republic Act No. 7876
senior citizen Welfare Development Republic Act No. 10155
population. Their (DSWD) National Republic Act No. 8425
health conditions, Anti-Poverty Republic Act No. 9994
status, and needs. Commission (NAPC) Republic Act No. 344
DILG, NGO, PHIL
HEALTH

Allocation of area for National standards for Current situations

building a designing of life care centers
community health rehabilitation center and rehabilitation
based center and life care center centers in the
country

Application of
ecological architecture
in the field of natural
healing environment Designing the Ecological Rehabilitation and
in procreating a Life Care Center for the Elderly
relationship between
people and nature

12
 Objectives

To amend to the needs and conditions of the elderly

To establish a community health based center that co-exist with the nature in relationship

and benefitting each other.

To apply green spaces and environment in the infrastructure in minimizing negative

impact on the nature.

To promote a natural healing environment with the intervention of architecture

To lessen the homeless and abandoned old people for giving them a home with love and

care

To signify the importance of both factors; the people and the environment

To prevent the increasing growth factor of poverty

13
 Definition of Terms

Amendment- is a formal or official change made to

Architecture - the art or practice of designing and constructing buildings

Community Center- a building or group of buildings for a community

Ecological- of or relating to the environments of living things

Ecological Architecture- is a type of urban greening, which is about creating green

spaces that promote symbiosis between urban and natural environments.

Green Spaces- an area of grass, trees, or other vegetation set apart for recreational or

aesthetic purposes in an otherwise urban environment.

Intervention- the act of interfering with the outcome or course especially of a condition

or process (as to prevent harm or improve functioning)

Life Care Center - designating or of a residential community or facility for elderly

people that is designed to provide an apartment, meals, nursing care, etc. for the duration

of the resident's life

Rehabilitation Center- a facility providing therapy and training for rehabilitation

Symbiosis- an interaction between two different organisms living in close physical

association, usually to the advantage of both

14
 CHAPTER II

Hypothesis

The ecological rehabilitation and life care center improves the current existing center

pertaining to health and caring conditions. The overall study are intended for maximizing

and changing the features of each center such as the application of ecological architecture

in which there is a use of efficient energy and the natural healing environment giving the

patients are more relaxing and comfortable feeling when they are diagnosed, confined or

under rehabilitation. The said study is a combination of two separate centers (the

rehabilitation center and life care center) established as one building with a centralized

green space focused for natural capability healing of the patients. This research will focus

on two important facts; prioritizing the health conditions of the elderly and helping the

neglected poor old citizens.

15
 CHAPTER III

Methodology

Systems of Inquiry

INCREASING HEALTH HOMELESS AND AGENCIES

POPULATION OF CONDITIONS ABANDONED CONCERNING
THE OLD AND NEEDS OF ELDERLY THE ELDERLY
THE ELDERLY

HOME
ADDED FACILITY COMMUNITY
FOR HEALTH PROVIDED FOR
CONDITIONS OF THE POOR
OLD PEOPLE SENIOR CITIZEN
LIVELIHOOD AND
LEARNING
CENTER FOR THE
OLD

GIVING THE SENIOR CITIZEN

A WELL DEVELOP AND AN
ENVIRONMENT
PROMOTING A NATURAL
AND A FAST
REHABILITATION AND LIFE
CARE CENTER
PROVIDING EFFICIENT DESIGN REGULATIONS
FACILITIES THAT PROMOTES AND STANDARDS FOR
GREEN SPACES(ECOLOGICAL BUILDING A REHAB AND
ARCHITECTURE) LIFE CARE CENTER
DESIGN
RESEARCH

16
 Research Design

Qualitative Research Strategy

-Natural settings will be observed in the objects of the inquiry whereas they will be
surveyed and interview based on their conditions and needs.

-Analyzing every interviews conducted given by the time provided for the research.

- Interpretation and analysis of data that have been gathered through experiments,
survey and current statistics.

- Understanding the respondent’s experiences and status

- Presentation and collection of the data in a given situation

- A personal informal writing stance that lessens the distance between the writer and the
reader.

The variety of data sources for qualitative research.

Tactics Interactive Noninteractive

Interviews

Focus Groups

Surveys

Observation

Artifacts and Buildings

Archival Documents

17
Research Tactics:

Interview:

People/Group of people who are concerned in the field of rehab and life care center, it
may be a doctor, an engineer, an architect or an agency

Survey:

The target people or client (elderly) will be surveyed base on their experiences and needs.

Observations:

Observations in the current status and conditions of the problem for finding solutions

Collection of data from secondary sources:

Researching and analyzing the statistical records, conditions, status and the graphical
records pertaining and concerning old citizens.

Photo Documentations:

18
 CHAPTER IV

Review of Related Literature

Coordinating Housing and Health Care Provision for America’s Growing Elderly
Population (2001)

by Kathryn Lawler

Abstract

A primary objective of the Corporation is to increase the capacity of local community-

based organizations to revitalize their communities, particularly by expanding and

improving housing opportunities. These local organizations, known as NeighborWorks ®

organizations, are independent, resident-led, nonprofit partnerships that include business

leaders and government officials. The Joint Center for Housing Studies analyzes the ways

in which housing policy and practices are shaped by economic and demographic trends

and provides leaders in government, business and the nonprofit sector with knowledge

and tools for formulating effective policies and strategies. Established in 1959, the Joint

Center is a collaborative unit affiliated with the Harvard Design School and the Kennedy

School of Government. The Center’s programs of research, education and public

outreach inform debate on critical housing issues and illuminate the role of housing in

shaping communities. The Policy Advisory Board, a diverse group of business leaders in

the housing sector, provides support and guidance for the Center and its activities. The

Joint Center also receives input from its Faculty14

14
http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.147.6261

19
Mental Health Center Services for the Elderly: The Impact of Coordination with
Area Agencies on Aging

Abstract

Coordination between Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) and Area

Agencies on Aging (AAAs) was examined through a survey of 281 CMHCs. Affiliation

with an AAA was associated with more indirect services of all types, more sites where

mental health programs were offered to the elderly, and more provision of direct services

such as Alzheimer's disease treatment and management, family support, and respite.

These centers also had a 31% higher caseload of those age 60 or older.15

Accessibility to health care facilities in Montreal Island: an application of relative

accessibility indicators from the perspective of senior and non-senior residents

Abstract

Geographical access to health care facilities is known to influence health services

usage. As societies age, accessibility to health care becomes an increasingly acute public

health concern. It is known that seniors tend to have lower mobility levels, and it is

possible that this may negatively affect their ability to reach facilities and services.

Therefore, it becomes important to examine the mobility situation of seniors vis-a-vis the

spatial distribution of health care facilities, to identify areas where accessibility is low

and interventions may be required.16

15
The Gerontologist, Volume 27, Issue 6, December 1987, Pages 699–702,
https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/27.6.699
16
International Journal of Health Geographics20109:52 https://doi.org/10.1186/1476-072X-9-52

20
 Location of the Project

Possible Location of the Project:

Mindoro:

Total Population:
1,331,473 as of 2015

Target Respondents:

Elderly people/Senior
Citizens

Total Number of Elderly

(60 yrs old and above)

Oriental Mindoro

Male: 43,629

Female: 58,784

Occidental Mindoro

Male: 24,512

Female: 28,796

Total: 155,721 elderly people as of 201517

Elderly people with health issues: (as of 2016)

According to the DOH 4-B consolidated masterlist of senior citizens, as of April 26,

2016, there are currently 24,715 residing in Occidental Mindoro and 52,509 in Oriental

Mindoro18.

17
https://psa.gov.ph/
18
http://mimaropa.neda.gov.ph/doh-4-b-opens-first-senior-citizens-ward-in-mimaropa/

21
 Initial Conclusion

In the initial analysis of the study, the researcher intends to improve the current

existing life care centers into a more reliable building as well as coping with the solutions

in the increasing ageing population in the Philippines. The researcher comes with the

combination of two centers that are; rehabilitation center which is intended for health

conditions and a life care center/residential care for taking care of neglected poor Filipino

elderly. The study shows that there is a need for more centers intended for them. The data

and statistics shown prove that it is a valid reason in pertaining to have a project which

concerns them and for the future generation.

22
 Bibliography

Perez, A. Building an Active, disability-Free society for All. Human Rights Forum, vol.

9, no.1. Jul-Dec 1999

National Statistics Office, 2000

NSO

Department of Health, Health and Well-being of Older Persons June 2012

Philippine Health Statistics, 2000

Department of Health, Health and Well-being of Older Persons June 2012

National Statistics Office 2000, Special Report on Senior Citizens, Manila

Department of Social Welfare and Development and Department of Health, Philippine

Country Report: Community Services for the Elderly in the Philippines, August 2007

Republic Act No. 7432: Senior Citizens Act of 1992

http://ageingasia.org/ageing-population-philippines

23