Chapter 5
Chapter 5
Chapter 5
This chapter gives the findings from the analysis of the participant
The researchers followed the methods used in this study. After they
searched and approached their possible participants, they proceed to their data-
gathering procedure. The researchers provide a copy of the intent and personal
letter, consent form, and information sheet. Before agreeing and moving on with
the interview process, participants must be aware of all the information contained
in this with the guidance of the researchers. This helped them understand the
goal and purpose of the study they are taking part in. In addition to this, the
consent form states that the researchers will employ audio recordings to record
the interview and transcribe them. The subjects were given the assurance that
their names would be kept private, thus the researchers used pseudonyms for
each of them.
the second table. The developed themes are all supported and substantiated by
Prosperous “Ang sabi ni tatay kahit ‘di maganda yung soot mo basta ang
(Rodolfo, 74)
dito, kasi dati may limang buhay kase ako na hindi ko nailaban
dito pero nung nandito ako sa simbahan almost all the mass
functioning family
The table above shows the perception of elderly Filipinos in defining life. It
illustrative texts gathered from the participants. The first superordinate theme is
prosperous. In life, they reflect prosperous life. One of the most important
similar to what Rodolfo, who stated that “...kase ang buhay na nagiging
kang konting kinikita, siguro sapat na rin yon.” Rodolfo proved that in elderly life,
it is important to have everyday income and shows that in elderly life they are
striving to have a great life. It is also supported by an article that shows that a
experience of God’s presence and absence has a significant relationship with the
search for meaning in life and the presence of meaning in life. The relationship
between humans and God is a long-standing one that shapes how people view
themselves, other people, and the universe. In the face of hardships, people with
a healthy relationship with God have less anxiety and mental problems. They
seek God's guidelines and devote their lives to the service of God for a better life.
Negative and stressful life events in the elderly people were significantly less
intelligence and selecting their more pleasing lifeliness (Ghasemiet al., 2015).
matagumpay ang aking buhay, siguro spiritually at sa lay minister kase dito ako
mga tungkulin inatang sa akin ng ng simbahan yun siguro ang unang sagot ko
para ako ang matagumpay.” Kanor devoted his life to God to have guidance and
love, and care for other family members, as well as ensuring safety and a sense
of belonging, open communication, and creating a sense of importance, value,
respect, and regard for each family member are all considered to be
relationships with family and friends, conflict management and resolution, and
communication within the marriage were factors that significantly influenced the
level of family functioning.This literature was reinforced with Rosa statement that,
“...ah sa buhay ng bawat isang tao maganda ahh na nasa pag- aayos mo sa
fruitful, nagiging sabihin na natin na, maano ka sa iyong pamilya, ano mang
Ayun lang”. Liga explained that a good relationship between the child and spouse
means good and they can face every challenge in life together. It is not all about
the money but the happiness and the strong bond of the family. It can also relate
to Steptoe, Deaton, and Stone (2015) stating that a variety of elements, including
social roles and activities, family, and social interactions, can enhance the
Table 2. Perception of elderly Filipinos on the kind of life they have lived
Superordinate Subthemes Illustrative text
(Consolacion, 65)
-(Maria, 70)
65)
Having
grandchildren
Hurdles in their
intimate
relationships
This section presents the data of the perception of elderly Filipinos on the
kind of life they have lived. It encompassed two superordinate themes with their
Positive qualities, such as the possibility for learning, knowledge, life satisfaction,
and happiness, are more likely to lead to positive integration and a more
competent and successful aging process in the elderly (Portero & Oliva, 2007).
statement, “..ah yung sa tagumpay na buhay, sa... sa edad kong ito na naging...
na ako'y umabot sa ganitong eded na 63 basta yung makita ko yung mga anak
aking anak tsaka sa.. aking dalawang anak. Ayun e isang tagumpay na sa akin.
Palagay ko naman sa buhay ko.. yung pagkabigo oo tama, yung ika'y minsan
mabigo, yung gusto mong maabot hindi mo kaya. Hindi man makuha yung gusto
pangarap nalang. Kasi hindi mo naman.. Kung yun ay ibibigay talaga sayo ng
diyos pero nasisiyahan na ako dito sa kinalalagyan ko. Oo, nasisiyahan na ako
dito.” He is already happy to see her child on good terms and stable life even if
he doesn't get a wealthy life. He is happy in her life now and accepts that's what
(smoking and alcohol use, malnutrition, sedentary living, etc.) accounts for one-
third of the burden of chronic illness. One of the most important purposes of
public health is to protect the health of the elderly. Because individuals are living
longer lives, there is a greater desire to spend this time in a healthier manner. It
mapagtagumpayan ko ang mga bayses ko, kase dati rin akong maraming mga
bisyo, hindi ko na maisaisa no, pero yung napagtagumpayan ko yun siguro yun
ang pinakamalaking hamon sa buhay ko.” Kanor gave up all of his vices in order
to have and maintain a healthy body. He can also consider this a life
legacy to their child. Elderly people were yearning to leave a legacy—and not
just of the real estate or monetary kind. They need to be able to pass along their
values and life lessons. Leaving a legacy of accumulated life wisdom and
legacy is a way of leaving something behind after death and making sense of the
end of life. The desire to leave a legacy manifests itself in a variety of ways,
depending on the individual and their society. While the concept of legacy is
Vicente’s statement which was, “...ang sa tingin ko yung tagumpay ng aking mga
anak sa kanilang pag-aaral at pagkakaroon ng magagandang hanap buhay.” He
sees that all of his children's lives are well lived, they have stable jobs, and all of
them have completed their studies, which means success for him.
elements that contribute to life satisfaction in the elderly. The bond between
satisfaction and happiness, are more likely to lead to positive integration and a
more competent and successful aging process in the elderly (Portero & Oliva,
ka, yung tutulungan ka ng mga apo mo, at tutulungan ka rin ng iyong mga anak.”
incapacitated.
people in Indonesia who have strained ties with their parents suffer
and experiencing rejection. In the context of the Philippines, many Filipinos gain
Filipinos in their community and family. Due to the formation of family roles, adult
participation in the workforce, and family social bonds, living in multigenerational
resources can predict how positively older Filipinos perceive aging. For instance,
senior citizens who receive greater social support from their family members
frequently feel inspired and have more realistic expectations of their own aging
experiences and social networks that make up their lives. (Valdez et al., 2013)
family relationships, societal duties, and other age-related changes are all
(Krause, 2007); and it can raise optimistic expectations of their future (Ju et al.,
2013). All of this demonstrates the importance of finding meaning in life for
personal relationships are a natural part of life and that everyone's life will always
“Eh, ganoon ang buhay natin, di’ ba, kase kapag natulog
because of life
satisfaction
In the table above, there are two superordinate themes regarding elderly
which places and thus is extreme burden for any planning. When you get old,
you don't know when and where your life will end. Death is the ultimate threat
that all societies must deny that there is anything uncontrollable or unpredictable
in the world. But we know that the world is inherently uncontrolled as we face the
dissolution of ourselves and loved ones, and the day of death is totally
death is often out of control. If death occurs suddenly and earlier than expected,
syempre.. Hindi natin alam baka hindi na tumanda (laugh) diba? Hindi natin
masabi baka.. Syempre lahat tayo merong oras merong panahon. Na... Hindi
natin alam,baka pagdating ng umaga di kana magising kaya hindi mo alam kung
ano pa yung dadating na sandali sa buhay mo. " Rosa is unable to control her
age and has no idea when her life will end. Death is an unavoidable, clear, and
satisfaction and desire. Both fluctuate over time and are influenced by different
social contexts (Krause & Hayward, 2013). "Life satisfaction," "subjective well-
being," and "happiness" are terms that can be used to describe the subjective
assess overall life conditions (Beyaztas, Kurt, & Bolayir, 2012). This literature is
pa mga anak ko. Mga apo, oo yan.. Kase sa kamatayan... Lahat naman tayo
roon basta nasa panginoon ayos na sa akin yun." Juan accepts the fact that our
lives have an end and he is already happy because for a while he can still be
(Consolacion, 65)
(Rosa, 66)
ang dibdib ko, batok ko, syempre, may edad na tayo, meron
It is evident on the table above that the participants fear a painful death
and most likely prefer an insufferable death. Most of the participants are also
immune system getting weak as they reach old age. The first superordinate
According to Fleming et al. (2016) most people were more concerned about the
dying process and its effects on those left behind, rather than death itself; a
peaceful, pain-free death was a popular ideal. Death was seen in a variety of
ways, from not wanting to think about it to accepting its inevitable approach to
wishing for its release. If very ill, many people expressed a desire to be made
comfortable rather than receive life-saving treatment, and to avoid going to the
hospital. There was little or no forward planning, with some people actively opting
out. Even when death was imminent, uncertainty inhibited end-of-life preparation.
these topics more difficult to bring up, but believed they would know their elderly
relatives' preferences, which were usually for palliative care, albeit we found two
opposing viewpoints. This is similar to what Consolacion said who stated that
mangyari ngayon” From her statement, she also proved that as she reaches old
age they are beginning to feel closer to death and the fright of death also comes
with aging.
According to Tjernberg and Bökberg (2020) stated that the elderly was not
afraid of death, but they are more concerned about dying. As most people were
more concerned about the dying process and its effects on those left behind,
rather than death itself; a peaceful, pain-free death was a popular ideal. Dying
itself has always been a challenging and personal life experience. The way one
handles death is frequently a mirror of the way one has handled past tragedies
and traumas. Ebersole (2005) also added that if the dying process is unusually
drawn out or if it follows a challenging illness, it may partially justify or view death
as relief. Like what Kanor stated, “Kung malapit na sa katapusan sana magaan
lang yung, ibig sabihin e katulad yung matanda na talaga e unti unti little by little
then nakakapag pray kapa sa kanya, hanggang sa kunin ka nya siguro, smoothly
yun ang ano ko sa panginoon na wag naman akong biglain na ano syempre
Although each person's reaction to the dying process differs, the way an
natin sa mga bata. Kung papaano sila dapat gumalang, magmahalan ang mga
pamilya para kung wala naman tayo. Maaalala nila tayo.” She views death as
unavoidable and accepts it and utilizing the importance of being an influence to
wellbeing that is related on how they see death in old age. A study conducted by
Golovchanova (2021) stated that, significant links have been shown between the
and the presence of meaning did not differ statistically by gender, either.
However, because the interaction between health issues and gender was getting
close to statistical significance, this link was further examined. The results
showed that older men are more negatively impacted by health issues than older
yung napunta s aiyo, sinasabi mo pang “sino ba kayo?”. Yan, yan ang pinaka-
deeply affects his physical wellbeing and mental wellbeing making him unable to
do things that he once was able to do. Additionally, the participants reason out
that the reason they feel more vulnerable when it comes to dying apart from their
perception when it comes to dying centers around their idea that as they age,
their bodies become more susceptible to illness and injury. As their bodies
naturally change and become more vulnerable to illness and injury. This can lead
that can make it more difficult for them to recover from illness or injury, and can
increase their risk of dying. Like what Vicente stated, “Ang inaasahan ko lang
sapagtanda, yun bang… ang mga anak ko eh, kung ako’y matanda na, kaming
Table 5. Elderly Filipinos’ perception on how they accept the idea of dying
Belief in the “Yung limitasyon natin eh parang hindi naman natin anuhin, eh
natural order of kayang harangan kasi doon din tayo pupunta sa kamatayan
The table above has one superordinate theme on how elderly filipinos’
perceived on how they accept the idea of dying which is the belief in the natural
order of life. Juan, Consolacion, and Ligaya demonstrated their conviction that,
at the end of the day, we will all be on the same route, which is to death.
According to Almedia, Klein, Piazza, and Stawski, (2011), As people grow older,
Bautista, Escobar, and Miranda, 2018) These authors suggest that aging itself is
of family life. In general terms, the relationship between age and religious beliefs
in daily life seems to be a smooth curvilinear function with the greatest change in
the first years of adults. Whatever the case, beliefs toward death or life after it,
frightened by the idea of possible suffering in the process of dying, or, by thinking
if there really is an after death. It was evident in the other statement of Juan
which was “Nakahanda ako kahit anong oras, kasi hindi naman talaga natin
hawak ang buhay natin. Ang Diyos ang nakakaalam eh kaya kahit anong oras
nakahanda ako.” It is in the nature of Filipinos to be religious, which is why they
perceived that there is life after death because there is God. The participants
were not reluctant to death and perceived that they couldn't control it.
Miranda, 2018), People seek ways to make it possible to live with the
inexorability of death, as well as cultural inventions, the most prominent being the
idea that death is not the end of the world, but a transition from a world to
another, where those who die do not leave the only world that exists and dissolve
and disappear into the beyond of non-being, but simply move to another world,
where they continue to exist in a different way. The present corporeal existence
soul that begins with death. In this way, the certainty of the existence of a
2012).
and valuing their contributions to their particular households and to society, which
is why they get along well with one another because they all live in the same
kailangan din syempre talaga yung pagsunod sa magulang. Masuwayin ang mga
kabataan ngayon eh. Hindi katulad sa generation namin kase nung generation
naming wala kasing mga TV, radio lang napapakinggan.Kaya yung mga bata
kung ano lang yung napapakinggan sa magulang, yun lang ang sinusunod.”
Since death is a normal part of life, it is often unavoidable for them to not be in
good physical health due to aging. On one hand, individuals are better able to
accept themselves when they can respect their current condition. This is related
respect for oneself (Herero & Extremera, 2010). Therefore, if individuals are able
to accept themselves, they are more open rather than defensive and better able
linked to old age since this period of life physiologically prepares many people to
leave this world. (Wysokińsk et al., 2019). It was evident in the statement of
ngayong may sakit-sakit kaya kailangan nating magingat para sa ating pamilya.
Kasi minsan lang tayo mabuhay kaya kailangan maging masaya tayo sa ating
pamilya.”
it would affect how they perceived themselves, including in terms of life and
death. If individuals feel content with their lives, this promotes psychological
wellness, which then promotes acceptance of death and a lack of resistance to it.
They will also come to believe that death is a part of life's natural order and was
strong and close family ties that promote the goodness to their psychological
well-being.
Table 6. Elderly Filipinos’ perception on how they want to be remembered
Positive self- “Ang gusto ko namang maalala nila tungkol sa akin ‘yong
-(Ligaya, 68)
Hindi lang ‘yong dito dahil ako ay isang minister, sa aking mga
“Oo, naalala nila. Basta, maalala lang nila ako bilang ako.
Ayong nakilala ako bilang ako, paano ako bilang kaibigan, paano
ako bilang anak, paano ako bilang magulang. Maalala lang nila
akin. Ayon lang gusto kong ganoon ang pagalala nila sa akin”. -
(Rosa, 66)
beneficial role models and left a lasting impression on others. Based on a study
conducted by Hanson, Brabrand, Lassen, Ryg, and Nielsen (2019) the presence
grows older. While subjective health and interpersonal relationships are key
sources of meaning for older persons, little research has looked at how these
sources might contribute to the presence of meaning in later life. This literature is
malinis sa trabaho para magustuhan nila ako, kaya hindi nila ako pinapalitan.” It
leave a positive relationship with people as this improves and good for their
psychological well-being.
the human lifespan. This relates to changes in overage in the six dimensions of
and elderly people have shown that personal growth and purpose in life decrease
with age, while environmental mastery and autonomy increase, and self-
adulthood (Homan, 2016). As they get older, they put a strong value to
relationship especially with their family. Like what Jose stated “…Eh syempre
yung maalala ng tao na ako’y naging isang mabuting ama sa mga anak ko, na
ako’y hindi naman masamang ama na basta ako’y, kung ano gusto ng mga anak
ko na mapagbibigyan ko mga gusto nila, basta sila’y masaya. Masaya ako, bago
acquire confidence. It ensures the mental and emotional well-being while also
analyzing flaws and things that need to be fixed. When you begin to focus on the
positives and change the issues in life, you will begin to feel better about
yourself. It will improve you holistically and that will also affect how other’s see
being has a reciprocal relationship with social functions, cognitive functions, and
health aspects. Factors that cause psychological well-being in the elderly include
material conditions, family and social relationships, social roles and activities,
and other factors related to changes with age (Steptoe et al., 2015). Overall, the
participants focused on the positive and productive aspects of their attributes that
phenomenological study about the perception of elderly Filipinos toward life and
death.
Summary
the perception of elderly Filipinos toward life and death. In exploring the
perceptions of elderly Filipinos toward life and death this study only aimed (1) to
determine what is life as defined by the participants, (2) to describe how the
participants see the kind of life they have lived, (3) to determine what is death as
defined by the participants, (4) and to describe what are the perceptions of the
participants when it comes to dying, (5) to describe how the participants come to
accept the idea of dying, and (6) to describe how the participants want to be
remembered.
The participants of the study were 10 elderly Filipinos ages from 65 and
above who are in the late adulthood stage regardless of their medical condition,
interview. The semi-structured interview guide instrument made and used by the
the study. The study is a qualitative research that involves gathering and working
with non-numerical data and then interpreting meaning from the data which help
described the kind of life they have lived as successful as they have a healthy
life, leaving legacy to their children, and having grandchildren. They also
because of life satisfaction. When it comes to dying, the participants are scared
of painful death, and having vulnerabilities. The participants accept the idea of
dying with the belief in the natural order of life. Finally, the participants want to be
Conclusions
After a careful analysis and interpretations of the gathered data, the
researchers have come up with some conclusions. This study aimed to respond
to the objectives that were centered on the perspective of elderly Filipinos toward
functioning family. They described the kind of life they have lived as successful,
satisfaction. When it comes to dying, the participants are scared of painful death,
and having vulnerabilities. The participants accept the idea of dying with the
belief in the natural order of life. Finally, the participants want to be remembered
with a positive self-image. Within these eleven domains, there are some further
subthemes, which are linked with findings in current and past literatures.
1. In life, the participants reflect a prosperous life which is one of the most
perception that one’s life is significant and worthwhile. For them as an elderly,
relationship with God has a significant relationship with the search for
meaning in life and the presence of meaning in life. The elderly participants
seek God’s guidance and devote their lives to the service of God for a better
life. Thus, they defined life as having a relationship with God. Moreover, the
they ensure strong bonds and communication in their families as the meaning
of their successful life. This also enhances the psychological well-being of the
elderly.
2. The participants perceived the kind of life they have lived as successful.
Having said, this includes having a healthy life, leaving a legacy to their
children, and having grandchildren. For them, having good health is very
important as an elderly because this is the reason why they are still alive and
still able to witness their children’s success, and seeing them having their own
families. For the participants, they considered their life as successful when
they see their children having good lives, and that’s the legacy that they want
significant for them to have a successful life and contribute to their life
On the other hand, it is also found that the participants lived their life having
people’s psychological well-being and how they will give meaning to their life.
But, the elderly participants noted and also believe that this is a natural part of
life, and everyones’ life has ups and downs especially with intimate
relationships.
They know that with their age, they have no idea when their life will come to
when you are satisfied with your life. They accept the idea of leaving this
world knowing that they are satisfied with the kind of life they have lived.
scared of painful death. Getting older means being vulnerable with illnesses
that can cause a person to suffer, or worse, to die. The idea of painful death
centers around their idea that as you reach old age, you will most likely suffer
common old age illnesses. In accordance with that idea, the participants fear
the idea of suffering these illnesses and associate it with leading them into a
painful death. This concludes that the elderly Filipinos are more concerned on
5. Elderly Filipinos believe in the natural order of life, and that’s how they accept
the idea of dying. In old age, it is usually a highly accepted, inevitable, and a
less fearsome situation. The participants were not reluctant to death and
perceived that they couldn't control it and that they know that this is how the
life and death. Life for them is considered as successful, and a big part of this is
having a healthy life, and a well-functioning family. On the other hand, death for
scared of a painful death and concerned about how they will die, but they know
that this is a natural part of life, and with that, they accept the idea of dying.
These findings emphasize the importance of good relationship to family and God
Recommendations
recommendations are presented by the researchers with the aim to help improve
their physical health and mental health as they are getting older. It is
important that they engage in different activities that will improve their well-
being.
their significant role in providing support for their loved ones. They are
recommended to spend quality time with them, and provide their needs as
that getting older cannot be prevented and so is death. Thus, family support
plays an important part on how they will cope with the things that are brought
by old age.
3. The researchers would like to recommend to the local government and elderly
help elderly Filipinos’ well-being. Dealing better with the developing problems
for the health of the elderly is important because aging cannot be prevented.
4. For future researchers that are also interested in this phenomenon, it is
than 10 and to set a place of the study where to gain participants such as to
home for the aged and to other retirement homes if they will conduct similar
Filipinos toward life and death. In addition, the future researchers should be
5. The researchers would also like to recommend to the people in the society to
especially regarding their physical and mental health. With this, people would
have more ideas about how to deal and take care of them.
Reference
with God, Based on the Life Events, Spiritual Intelligence and Life Line Drawing
in Elders.
World Health Organization. World report on Ageing and Health WHO, Library
Hunter E. G. (2007). Beyond death: inheriting the past and giving to the future,
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