Grace T. Cruz, Jeofrey B. Abalos, Melissa C. Lavares, Josefina N. Natividad and Yasuhiko Saito
Director, University of the Philippines Population Institute, Research Assistant, Demographic Research and Development Foundation, Research Assistant, Demographic Research and Development Foundation, Professor, University of the Philippines Population Institute, Professor, Nihon University Population Research Institute
https://doi.org/10.57043/transnastphl.2009.4250
Abstract
This paper describes the changes in social structures and well-being of older Filipinos over time. Data from the 1996 Philippine Elderly Survey and the 2007 Philippine Longitudinal Study of Aging, as well as various census data, show an increasing household headship rate among older people, a growing proportion living with a spouse and other older people, and a low but declining proportion living alone. Findings also indicate that the economic well-being and functional health of older people have improved over time. International labor migration has modified social roles and functions, with significant proportions of elderly Filipinos reporting having children overseas. Remittances from these children have contributed to their improved economic status. Amid these changes, intergenerational family solidarity remains strong, with older people not just as recipients of support but also as active providers to their families.