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• Social service delivery for senior citizens in rural Philippines and secrets to longevity of Apo Whang-od

  2-14

  Climson L. Balangue

  Views:

  1399

  Access to social services such as healthcare, transportation, and financial support can be limited, leaving many elderly individuals vulnerable to poverty and social exclusion. This paper examined the recent elderly demographics, status of social service delivery, the roles of traditional and cultural practices, and specific challenges faced by older persons in rural areas, using the case of Apo Whang-od and her community, Buscalan that is in the municipality of Tinglayan, Province of Kalinga, Philippines. Using a mixed methods approach, this paper revealed that almost 11% of Tinglayan’s population is elderly, mostly indigenous people with a relatively low literacy rate, and low-income earners who are engaged mostly in subsistence farming and small-scale traditional craft making. Also, there are substantial government programs and services offered by existing laws; however, access to these is challenged by limited access to education and healthcare services, with long travel distances and a lack of transportation being major barriers. Financial difficulties were also observed, with no or few having access to social security benefits and reasonable amounts of pensions. The challenges can also be attributed to an unfavorable geographical location, conflicts with neighboring tribes, limited local government funds, lack of knowledge, and inadequate social service centers within the locality. Tinglayan’s cultural values were also found to play a pivotal role in supplementing the scarce social services by fostering a supportive atmosphere for the elderly. Analysing Apo-Whag-od's longevity, it was revealed that she lived a longer life because she ate organic and locally sourced food, slept well, laughed a lot, engaged in regular physical activity, nurtured her spiritual well-being, built strong relationships with her family and community, and kept a positive outlook. In conclusion, social demographics shows that elderlies in rural areas are disadvantaged, which calls for more efficient and effective access, delivery, and availability of social services. Moreover, policymakers are enjoined to accelerate social infrastructures, expand social protection programs, and support intergenerational solidarity and resilience and cultural preservation. Lastly, Apo Whang-od’s legacy lives on. Her popularity not only gained revitalization of the Kalinga tattoo culture, but it also inspired people to follow her steps to longer and happier way of life.

• The Social Faces of Elderly Poverty in Hungary

  Katalin Talyigás

  Views:

  185

  Elderly poverty in Hungary is an increasingly important social issue, extending far beyond income deficiency to encompass multiple deprivations: material deprivation, health deterioration, housing insecurity, digital disadvantages, weakening social connections, and loneliness, particularly affecting women, rural dwellers, singles, and those with low education levels.

  The study aims to present the forms of elderly poverty, contributing social factors (e.g., effects of the regime change, life-course disruptions, declining family support), and to examine how local, community, and professional policy interventions can mitigate risks, ensuring a dignified, secure, and participation-based old age.

  The analysis employs a descriptive-analytical approach, processing domestic (KSH, 2024) and international (Eurostat, 2024; Eurofound, 2022) statistics, literature (e.g., Albert & Dávid, 2019; Walker & Zaidi, 2020), and case studies (e.g., an elderly woman in a panel apartment making daily sacrifices), integrated with EU legal frameworks (Charter of Fundamental Rights).

  20.3% of those aged 65+ face poverty or exclusion risk (EU average: 17.2%), severe deprivation at 9% (EU: <5%), over 430,000 receive <140,000 HUF/month pension; low digital usage (35-40%, EU: 65%), poor health indicators (5.3-6.5 healthy years); these accumulate to reinforce hidden poverty: deferred medications, social withdrawal, stress, and isolation.

  Responses must be multi-level: developing community programs (clubs, volunteer networks), digital competency training (courses, helper programs), targeted supports (housing, utilities), health preservation (prevention, age-friendly settlements), and local data collection to recognize invisible poverty and strengthen social cohesion.

• Weaving threads of care: Examining extended family support for aging in rural Ghana

  8-9

  Amos Elikplim Awuku

  Views:

  21

  Globally, societies are experiencing a significant increase in the population of older adults, a demographic shift that presents both opportunities and challenges. This transformation is particularly pronounced in developing countries such as Ghana.

• Hungarian Gerontology 16 (Conference Issue) 2024 Full Issue

  Views:

  67

  Dear Reader,

  On October 10–11, 2024, we successfully organized the 17th International Scientific Conference and Professional Meeting of Gerontology Days. This year’s theme, “Cooperation,” served as the central thread connecting the numerous presentations delivered in both Hungarian and English. The conference itself exemplified this spirit of collaboration, as reflected in the event’s key highlights: · 5 Sponsors supported the event, enriching the conference with their contributions: Pasta of Tiszaörs, the Caring Watch Program, the Pécs Community Foundation (with the P-AGE Conscious Aging Program), the Rural Treasure Association, and the Association of Sarud. · 7 Partners contributed to the organization: o Hungarian Academy of Sciences Regional Committee (Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County) – Lifestyle and Health Research Interdisciplinary Working Committee o Hungarian Academy of Sciences Regional Committee – Medical Committee (Geriatrics and Social Gerontology Working Committee) o Hungarian Women’s Career Development Association o National Association of Doctoral Students, Department of Economics o Hungarian Association of Consumer Advocates o Economic Competition Advisory Office Network o Financial Navigator Advisory Office Network · 2 Conference Days: The first day featured Hungarian-language presentations, while the second day focused on English-language sessions. · 2 Organizing Institutions & Conference Chairs: o Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Debrecen – Dr. habil. Marianna Móré (Dean) o Faculty for Social Wellbeing, University of Malta – Dr. Maria Aurora Fenech (Senior Lecturer) · 4 Scientific Committee Members and 13 Organizing Committee Members, whose dedication ensures the event’s success year after year. · 7 Plenary Lectures (5 on the Hungarian day, 2 on the English day). 3 · 12 Thematic Sections (7 on the Hungarian day, 5 on the English day). · 92 Section Presentations (43 in Hungarian, 49 in English). A Special Issue of Hungarian Gerontology (Vol. 16, 2024) has been prepared based on these presentations. The research showcased the diverse realities of aging populations worldwide, including: · Self-determination challenges among Malta’s elderly · Slovakia’s pension system · Poland’s “silver economy” · Syria’s healthcare landscape · The status of Nigeria’s elderly population · Digital learning capabilities of older adults in Germany · Simulation model applications · Dementia home care challenges in Hungary (examined through literary works) · AI in doctor-patient communication · The Grany Adoption Foundation in Kyrgyzstan · Aging in the Philippines and other nations, highlighting both struggles and positive aspects of later life. We hope this collection offers you a profound and enlightening exploration of global aging perspectives.

   With warm regards, Edina Molnár Plenary Chair, Hungarian Day